Isle of Tiree Community Gym is a project run by volunteers, which aims to boost physical health, mental health and community spirit on the small island of Tiree, the outermost of the Scottish Inner Hebrides. It is a not-for-profit, easily accessible, affordable, and inclusive indoor fitness facility for all.
Located in An Talla, the local community hall, the gym provides a broad range of equipment in a permanent location for use by members, and also enables and supports local fitness instructors to provide classes and personal training. Equipment has low or zero power usage, with environmental awareness in mind, and to keep overheads to a minimum.
The gym aims to be financially self-sustaining, but required initial funding of around £60k to purchase equipment and cover start-up costs. This was raised through a combination of grant funding, donations and local fundraising. We are very grateful for the support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Community Led Local Development Fund, First Port, the Coop, the Tiree Trust, and all the local businesses & trades who gave (and continue to give) their assistance.
We are confident that with enthusiastic community support, this project will establish a successful, sustainable, and vital resource. Hopefully the gym can make a valuable and enduring impact on the wellbeing of a small island community.