It’s a Dive!

Scots medal-prospects for the 2014 Commonwealth Games were struggling to find somewhere to practise during the two-year closure of Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool. But now, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, Midlothian Council has agreed to welcome the Edinburgh Diving Club for training at Newbattle Leisure Pool.

It also means that – after a long break – diving is coming back to Newbattle Pool because the Edinburgh Diving Club will develop diving programmes for all age groups in order to progress standards – which are already at an all time high in Midlothian.

The agreement between Midlothian Council and Edinburgh Leisure also boosts Scotland’s medal-winning prospects at the 2014 Commonwealth Games as two of the country’s brightest prospects – Midlothian hopefuls Jennifer Currie and Amber Foster – will be able to train on their  ‘home patch’.

Jennifer (17) – from Roslin – is a senior Scottish Level Diver who has recently returned from the British Championships with a 4th place. She is both a 2012 Olympic Games and a 2014 Commonwealth Games Potential.

Amber Foster, (10) from Bonnyrigg -  who currently trains at the Commonwealth pool and is British National Novice Champion   -  will also now be able to continue her  training at ‘home’  in Midlothian rather than having to move  to alternative facilities elsewhere in Scotland.

An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Midlothian Council to ensure that Edinburgh Diving Club can continue their training programme and our Learn to Dive  programme can be maintained.”

The Royal Commonwealth Pool closes its doors on 28 June 2009 for a two year upgrade.

The Newbattle Leisure Pool will be closed for one week from 29 June to 5 July 2009 inclusive while improvement work to the diving boards and pool  is carried out. The initiative is being supported and funded by The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Leisure, The Edinburgh Diving Club and the National Diving Committee -  part of Scottish Swimming.

Provost Montgomery points out  “While Midlothian sees this as a development opportunity, there will obviously be changes to the current swim programme at Newbattle Pool.  Public swimming times and other sessions will not change but there may be restrictions to swimming full-lengths at times. Once the changes have been agreed new programme times will be issued. ”

Picture shows Amber and Jennifer help Councillor Adam Montgomery, Provost of Midlothian, launch the pool-sharing deal at Newbattle with swimming pool manager Kenny Davidson.