Anniversary celebrations
Events mark 20 years since McLaren Leisure opened
This summer marks 20 years since McLaren Leisure was officially opened in Callander by HRH Princess Anne.
And tomorrow (Saturday) those at the centre, which is based on the site at McLaren High, will be marking this milestone with a special celebration.
It is run as a not-for-profit social enterprise by a team of 30 dedicated staff and a board of volunteers.
Among the facilities they offer are a swimming pool, climbing wall, dance studios, football pitch and fitness suite.
And at this weekend’s celebration there will be a host of fun activities and entertainment to celebrate two decades of the leisure centre’s existence in the heart of the community.
The event is taking place as part of the Trossachs Summer Festival and will feature circus skills, swimming, face painting, piping, highland dancing and live music.
There will also be a barbecue and mini Highland Games before the day is rounded off with a ceilidh which is running from 8pm till late.
David Moore, chairperson of the board of directors, said: “We are very proud of the sport and leisure facilities and services which we provide to our community of Callander, the Trossachs and Teith.
“It is quite some achievement to have been running these for 20 years, and we are looking forward to doing so for a further 20 years – and beyond.
“The Scottish Government has recognised the importance of sport and leisure activities in changing people’s lives in a positive way.
“We provide opportunities for our rural population of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity, improving their health and wellbeing.
“We also aid the development of people’s skills to participate and compete in various sports and clubs, including swimming, climbing, hockey, football, athletics and kids camps.”
Centre manager Trish Thompson added: “We are led by our community, for our community and work hard to make it a stronger, healthier and better place to live.
“Our core values are about displaying a positive and welcoming approach; ensuring inclusivity across all our services and facilities; focusing on wellbeing and promoting a healthy lifestyle; and working in partnership with the community and other organisations.
“As a social enterprise we reinvest all of our income into the centre, contributing to the local economy and providing 30 local jobs and additional modern apprenticeships.”
McLaren Leisure opened its doors to the public for the first time 20-years ago this weekend with HRH Princess Anne conducting the official opening around a month later.
The centre was designed and built with the aim of serving both McLaren High School and the community – and around 650 McLaren High pupils currently benefit from use of the facilities for PE classes and extracurricular sport while primary school children also use the facilities.