Fund splashes cash on Islay pool

The community are set to get an improved facility thanks to a £40,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation.

The money will be used to paint the exterior of the building, upgrade pumps and motors in the plant room, purchase an automatic swim pool hoover, hair dryer and costume spin dryer.

General manager Karen Donnelly believes the upgrades will make a huge difference to the lives of people living in the area. 

She says: “This project will provide a real boost to the people of Islay. It’s fantastic that FCC Communities Foundation has awarded us this money and we’re really looking forward to Mactaggart Leisure Centre taking shape over the coming year.”

FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation Grant Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Mactaggart Leisure Centre through this funding. Projects like this help protect and enhance facilities that are at the heart of their communities, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and accessible for local people now and in the future.”

Karen Donnelly hopes the upgrade and installation of equipment will cause as little disruption to operations as possible and be completed and ready to use by early 2027. Further upgrades are on the way.