Successful Summer Play Scheme Keeps Black Isle Youngsters Busy

Despite the unpredictable weather, children living on the Black Isle have been busy making the most of their holidays by taking part in the summer play scheme which is running at the Black Isle Leisure Centre.

Running until the 25 July these daily sessions, for 5-8 year olds in the morning, and 9-14 years in the afternoon, have attracted over 560 children over the last fortnight.  Organised by The Highland Council, the sessions include a wide range of activities with everything from a Bouncy Castle and fun games to hockey, an assault course, art sessions and circus workshops.

Manager of the Black Isle Leisure Centre, Ian Goode said:  “We have had a fantastic two weeks with so many children coming along, making new friends and trying different activities.  With another fortnight of activities planned, including Multi-Sports, Eco Arts, Rugby, Archery, Shinty and Cartoon Drawing, we are expecting all the sessions to be just as popular as the first fortnight.”

The play sessions come under the Council’s Highlife scheme so they offer great value for Highlife card holders, and cost £3.50 for non Highlife members. Children do not need to book in advance but can just come along on the day.  The session for 5-8 year olds runs from 11am to 1pm and the 9-14 year old sessions run from 2pm to 4pm. 

The play scheme is just one element for the Black Isle Leisure Centre and Community Theatre complex in Fortrose.  With a newly fitted out gym, badminton courts and various meeting rooms for hire, the Centre offers lots of leisure opportunities for adults as well as children. After the play schemes end on 25 July, the Leisure Centre will still be offering a great range of activities to keep young people amused over the holidays and these events will continue once the schools return, including a two hour Saturday Children’s Activity Club for primary pupils. 

In addition, the theatre will soon be coming to life as well.  A special theatre week run by local company Yellow Dog for primary aged children and funded by the Scottish Arts Council and The Highland Council is already fully booked.
 
Ian added:  “So far the summer has been an exciting time for us all at the leisure Centre and the activities on offer will continue to grow with the introduction of our Autumn programme of shows in the Community Theatre.”

Events to look forward to include an evening of Indian Dance by The Kala Chethena Kathakali Theatre Company with an introduction from Out of Darkness theatre company from Elgin, a children’s show by Wee Stories in collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland, “The ‘Lesson”  by Benchtours and ”Fleeto” by  VAMP Productions.
 
For further information on any of the activities at the Leisure centre and Theatre Complex call 01381 621252

14 Jul 2008