Councillors in West Lothian have backed a motion of congratulation to staff at Linlithgow’s Xcite leisure centre.
The team won a national award last month recognised as the Active Regional Centre of the Year in a UK wide competition.
A motion raised by Conservative Angela Doran-Timson praised the “exceptional service” of staff.
The UKactive Awards recognise excellence and innovation in the physical activity sector across the UK, highlighting organisations and individuals getting more people, more active, more often.
West Lothian Leisure, which manages health, sport and leisure services on behalf of West Lothian Council, was the only Scottish Community Leisure Trust to win an award.
West Lothian Leisure’s Xcite Linlithgow impressed judges with its exceptional community impact and innovation. With more than 500,000 annual visits and over 4,700 members, the centre has become a true community hub, offering everything from menopause support and strength programmes to Hyrox fitness events, family sessions, and a community café tackling isolation. Its outstanding customer satisfaction and a £20.2 million social value impact across the Trust in 2024/25 highlight its commitment and well-being and accessibility for all.
In her motion councillor Doran-Timson said: “Council recognises that this award is a testament to the dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism of the Xcite Linlithgow team, whose commitment to delivering high-quality facilities, inclusive programmes, and exceptional service has made a lasting positive impact on the health and well-being of local residents. It acknowledges the vital contribution of members, volunteers, and the wider Linlithgow community, whose support and participation have helped make Xcite Linlithgow such a vibrant and successful centre.”
Xcite Linlithgow is a leisure centre managed by the council’s arms’ length charitable trust West Lothian Leisure. The trust has weathered difficult times in recent years because of falling revenues at its gyms and Covid restrictions.
In October it reported a 43% increase in Access Xcite memberships built up over the last two years- including a surge of almost 30% in the last year alone.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
