A new fitness suite at the Averon Leisure Centre in Alness, which has doubled the capacity of the centre and will improve the services and sporting facilities on offer to the local community, was officially opened on Monday 28th February.

The development of the centre, which involved turning an unused squash court into a two-storey fitness suite, coincides with the Averon joining the High Life scheme - a Highland Council initiative that allows individuals to access any of the gyms associated with the scheme for just £13 per month or £18 per month for families.

The total cost of the development was £128,000, to which Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) provided assistance of £25,000.

The suite, which was kitted out just last week, was officially opened by Jock Watt, the former cultural, leisure and sport area manager for Ross & Cromarty District Council.  He was invited to preside over the official opening to mark his enormous contribution to sport and leisure in the area.

Following the launch of the suite, Averon Leisure Centre manager Sonny Rhind said: "The board and I would like to acknowledge the major contributions of RACE, Highland Opportunity Ltd, and Communities Scotland Future Builders, which helped turn the centre's long-held dream into an exciting reality. 

"Further funding was also received from The Gannochy Trust and The Hugh Fraser Foundation, for which we are very grateful. We are also very grateful to RACE contributing towards our staff training and development programme.  The staff and I are now ready and looking forward to welcoming new members to the area's premier fitness suite, and as the Averon is now a High Life centre, people can come and enjoy this facility at an excellent, affordable price."

Lindsay Campbell, development manager at RACE, said: "Ross and Cromarty Enterprise is delighted to have been able to assist Averon Leisure Centre in the development of their leisure facility both in terms of grant assistance and staff training. The new fitness suite and introduction of the High Life scheme will be a great asset to the community.

"The new suite will enable the centre to develop and improve the services and sporting facilities it offers the local community. Previously, the only other fitness suites within the area were at the Invergordon and Dingwall Leisure Centres. But now local people will be able to access a great selection of fitness facilities on their doorstep, which will go a long way to encouraging them to get active and improve their health.

"The fact that Averon have invested in the technology to facilitate the High Life scheme will mean that members will be able to make the most of the facilities that are on offer at other local leisure centres."