Festival of Tennis at Craiglockhart this weekend
The Festival of Tennis taked place this weekend on Saturday 22 September 2018 from 2-4pm.
You will be able to enjoy entertainment from Scottish Stars of Tennis or book into the free taster sessions with Edinburgh Leisure’s top coaches.
Bookable Tennis Taster Sessions -call 0131 443 0101 to book
If you’re an experienced player, or if you’ve never picked up a racket before there’s something for you being served up in the free programme for adults and children alike.
The opening represents the culmination of a collaboration between Edinburgh Leisure, Tennis Scotland, and sportscotland to redevelop the outdoor courts at Craiglockhart.
The front four courts have been reconfigured and extended to create five courts, all with floodlights. There is a centre court which will allow major tournaments to be played there with accommodation for spectators. All the courts have a new all-weather artificial clay surface, which will allow them to be used all year round.
Kirsty Stobie, Manager at Edinburgh Leisure’s Craiglockhart Tennis Centre said: “Edinburgh Leisure is very grateful to Tennis Scotland and sportscotland for their funding contribution. We’re thrilled that the new surface will allow us to continue to host the Nike Junior International and the Scottish Junior Open Championships each year, which will bring the outdoor courts alive with talented players from all over the world coming to participate.
“The surface will help support the development of our junior players within Edinburgh Leisure’s programme as well as the local development squads supported by Tennis Scotland and can also be enjoyed my members of the public.”
Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre is also the home of Tennis Scotland, part of the Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for tennis in Scotland responsible for growing participation and supporting the long-term development of talented players.
Blane Dodds from Tennis Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see the development of the outdoor courts at Craiglockhart come to fruition. Tennis Scotland was delighted to be able to support the development of these courts including floodlights through the Tennis Scotland Community Fund. It has been great to watch the project develop from the Tennis Scotland office and we are looking forward to start seeing players of all ages and abilities stepping out on the courts to enjoy the new court facilities. These courts will play a big part in our competitions calendar as well supporting in our drive to grow and develop tennis in Scotland.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive, sportscotland said: “At sportscotland we are committed to ensuring that sports facilities are well planned, well placed, sustainable and as a result, able to deliver more opportunities for people to take part in sport at every level. The development of these courts at Craiglockhart will now provide year-round access, allowing the expansion of the tennis coaching programme and positively impacting on both participation and progression in the sport of tennis.
“That’s why we were delighted to play our part by providing expertise and £100,000 of National Lottery funding to support our partners in Edinburgh Leisure and Tennis Scotland to deliver this terrific project. I’m sure it will be an asset to the sport and the community for many years to come.”
There have been some notable matches played on the outdoor tennis courts at Craiglockhart with world-famous players from Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe in the 1970s to Andy Murray in the 90s.
Craiglockhart Tennis Centre has six indoor courts and a further three outdoor clay courts at the back of the building in addition to these new courts, a cycling studio and Harry’s Café. Its Leisure Centre also boasts a spacious gym with over 70 pieces of kit, fitness studios, squash courts and a multipurpose sports hall.