The Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh has been named one of the top ten public swimming pools in the world by a leading travel website.
Lonely Planet has included Scotland’s world class pool on its list, along with the London Olympic Aquatic Centre.
The accolade is the latest boost for the venue, which will host the Diving Event for the Commonwealth Games this July.
Edinburgh Leisure, which manages the Royal Commonwealth Pool on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, re-opened the venue in 2012 following a £37 million refurbishment.
The iconic 50m pool has since enjoyed a raft of praise for its state-of-the-art swimming and diving facilities, including from Olympic diver Tom Daley.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s come as no surprise that the Royal Commonwealth Pool has made the top ten public swimming pools in the world and I’m delighted that it’s achieved this recognition. The Commie has been a much loved venue for the local community and visitors for more than 40 years since it was originally built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games.
“Two years ago the pool re-opened after £37m worth of refurbishment works, funded by the Council and sportscotland, including the upgrading of the diving pool to meet world class standards, and this has enabled us to continue Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Games legacy by providing generations of swimmers and divers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to hone their skills in a world-class facility. It’s the ideal venue to host the diving competition when the Games return to Scotland this summer and I’m sure the thousands of spectators attending will have a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”
Edinburgh Leisure’s renowned coaching programme also delivers swimming and diving courses for everyone from babies upwards, including the hugely talented Grace Reid and James Heatly who will dive for Team GB this summer.
The travel website has highlighted pools which it says are great for travellers to combine with sightseeing as well as stunning venues in themselves.
Claire Rusack, Leisure Manager at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised by a top travel website like Lonely Planet. Our coaching and fitness facilities are enjoyed by a wide community in Edinburgh, as well as being perfectly located for the city’s tourists to enjoy.
“This is a thrilling year for the Royal Commonwealth Pool, with the arrival of the Diving Event for the Commonwealth Games, and the chance to cheer on two athletes who have been coached with us from childhood.
“We have also increased our capacity for diving coaching so more children and adults than ever can discover this increasingly popular sport. We are looking forward to welcoming the Games, as well as our thousands of loyal customers and city visitors when the venue reopens to the public in August.”
Edinburgh Leisure is a not-for-profit business which re-invests any surplus funds directly into providing excellent facilities and services to all customers.
For further information visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
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