Islanders' views sought after pool closures row

Western Isles Council is holding a consultation on the future of its leisure sites, including pools

Islanders in the Western Isles have been asked for their views on council-run leisure facilities after a row over plans to shut two pools - including one where champion swimmer Kara Hanlon used for training.

The decision to shut Lionel pool in Lewis, along with another at Shawbost, was made in February but brought to wider attention by islanders last month.

The closures will help the islands' local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, to make budget savings of almost £1.4m.

But some councillors called for the decision reversed and also wanted a public consultation on the future of swimming pools and other facilities.

The comhairle is running its consultation until 5 November.

It said it wanted to hear the views of local people on how libraries, sports centres and leisure facilities could continue to support health, wellbeing, learning and community life across the islands.

It is also planning to hold a series of focus groups.

A spokesperson said feedback received through the survey and in-person consultations would inform strategic planning on the future of the services.

Paul Steele, leader of the comhairle, said: "Libraries and leisure facilities play a vital role in our island communities, supporting health, wellbeing, learning and community life.

"We want to ensure these services continue to meet local needs in the years ahead, and community voices are central to that process."

Hanlon is the most successful swimmer to come from the Western Isles, having won 17 medals for the region's team at the Island Games over the years.

She has also competed for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and spent much of her childhood training in Lionel swimming pool.

Point councillor Norrie MacDonald told a meeting last month he doubted anyone would have "consciously agreed" to closing the pools, and suggested the impact of the cuts was missed in the detail of the budget.