Edinburgh Leisure celebrates record number of active members as new report find residents in pursuit of healthier lifestyles
Edinburgh Leisure's Impact Report 2025-26 has shown a rise in the number of active members using facilities across the city
Thousands of people across the Capital are improving their health, building confidence and finding connection, according to Edinburgh Leisure’s latest impact report.
The findings support the organisation’s 2030 mission to transform the city’s health and wellbeing by reducing barriers, developing new ways to deliver activity and working with people and communities to help more residents be active.
As an independent charity and non-profit social enterprise, Edinburgh Leisure is responsible for the day-to-day operation of 75 sport, leisure and school venues on behalf of Edinburgh City Council.
It says the 2025–26 Impact Report highlights why access to sport and physical activity matters at every stage of life – from children learning to swim, to older adults rebuilding strength, and people facing barriers finding safe and welcoming ways to move.
It shows how Edinburgh Leisure combines scale with targeted support, welcoming millions of visits while focusing additional help on people who face the greatest barriers to being active.
In the year covered by the report, its venues welcomed 5.9 million customer visits, reached an all-time high of 38,383 active members and supported 15,764 people to overcome barriers to physical activity. A total of 556 local sports clubs made use of facilities across the estate.
Edinburgh Leisure says these figures, together, are evidence of its reach across the city and the targeted support it provides.
Key highlights of the report include the 9,846 people on low incomes who accessed subsidised or free activity, helping to reduce financial barriers to participation, and the 9,415 health and exercise referrals from health, social care and charity partners.
In addition, 979 people were supported to improve their mental health through Healthy Active Minds, 644 care-experienced children and young people were supported, and 7,673 children learned to swim.
The report also noted a 13.7 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, supporting the charity’s work to reduce its environmental impact.
Jen Holland, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Behind every number is a person, someone learning a new skill, feeling stronger, meeting familiar faces, or taking a step towards better health.
“The challenge now is to build on this progress, so more people across Edinburgh can access the support, spaces and opportunities they need to be active. As a charity, our role is to reduce barriers and work with communities and partners to make physical activity part of everyday life for more people.”
Eileen Ingram, a participant in this year’s Victorian Pool Crawl organised by the charity, said: “I think it’s important for everyone, regardless of wealth, health or age, to be able to have access to facilities to enable them to live an active life. Regular exercise is really important for improving all aspects of our life.”
The report also shows that Edinburgh Leisure has strengthened its financial position, moving close to an underlying break-even position and reducing its reliance on additional council support. The charity says this creates a more sustainable foundation for its long-term work.
Jen Holland added: “Being financially stronger helps us keep doing what matters most: opening up more opportunities for people across Edinburgh to be active. As a charity, every step towards sustainability means we can better support our communities now and plan with confidence for the future.”
The full Edinburgh Leisure Impact Report 2025–26 is available to read at www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/our-impact/