Pool cash row results in grey days for OAPs

A GROUP of pensioners with mobility and health problems have been left devastated by the loss of their aquacise classes at Macdonald Aviemore pool as the funding wrangle remains unresolved.

They have pointed out that it is not just the young and families who are missing out at present.

Some 30 aquafit pensioners and others with health issues had been enjoying 45 minutes of exercise in the leisure pool twice a week on Monday and Thursday mornings until recently.

But they can no longer do so as the stand-off continues between operators Macdonald Hotels and Highland Council.

The hotel giants said they would reopen talks with the local authority on September 24 but failed to so do. Contact by the council has not been returned.

Eighty-year-old Nancy Stewart, of Inverdruie, is one of those hoping they can get back into the pool. High Life Highland informed them at the end of August the classes would be unable to continue when the scheme was axed at the resort by Macdonald's.

Ms Stewart said it is not just the physical benefits but the social aspect she misses.

She said: "These classes have been an enormous benefit to a particular section of the population. I am 80 now and I have been going to aquafit classes for many years: it is a great way to keep the joints moving.

"I used to attend twice a week and then once per week but lately I was not able to go at all because I suffered a stroke.

"I had really been hoping to get back very soon though. It's sadly not going to be possible the way things stand. It was a social group too with members meeting up for coffee and a chat afterwards.

"It was a big part of my week. There are not many fitness clubs we can participate in at our age."

Mary Walker, from Aviemore, has been a member for 25 years and said: "We have been pushed from pillar to post by Macdonald's. I really miss the interaction with the other members."

Gillean Clark, who lives in Kingussie, is another long time aquacise goer. She said: "The ladies have all become friends.

"I don't think Donald Macdonald (Macdonald Hotels chairman) would like to hear what I would say if we met him. When we go to the pool there is no-one in it. We are not keeping guests out and they are more than welcome and do join us if they want to."

Aviemore member Janet Harris said: "I think there should be more pressure put on the council as well. I do not think it is just Macdonald's. It is sad that we have lost it but Highland Council should be doing something for the community rather than throwing money at a profitable business."

Carrbridge resident Shirley Campbell has been going to aquafit since it first started in Aviemore at the Four Seasons Hotel more than two decades ago.

She told the Strathy: "I have a lot of aches and pains and I am really, really missing the swimming. It is really good for my joints. It keeps us fit – and we older ladies need to be kept fit."

Frances Turner, another Aviemore aquafit enthusiast, suffers from bad arthritis. She said: "It is by far the best for arthritis as the weight is off the ankles and knees. It's ideal. The music is great. It's a really happy group to join in with."

Mary-Ann Connolly, of Cromdale, has been a Macdonald's timeshare owner for more than 20 years both in Spain and in Dalfaber.

She said: "I am so deeply disappointed at the current situation. Being of a certain age and ability now these classes are a lifeline to keeping mobile and fit and also to making new friends. It is a important aspect to my life and well-being.

"I am pretty well disgusted that having been a loyal customer of Madonalds that this facility is being taken away from me. I know that I can go to the Craig McLean Sports Centre on an evening but the daytime classes present a safer and better alternative.

"I find it hard to understand that the management do not understand the link between tourism and local engagement."

Tracy Sherrington, of Aviemore, is the youngest group member. She suffers from chronic back problems after a car accident and has been left upset by the situation.

She said: "There are quite a few of us with spinal injuries and mobility issues and we can not do high impact classes. I have problem with my discs and can not do anything else. For a lot of us this is the only thing we can join in with."

The aqua class which is led by water fitness instructor Angie Horwood stopped in June before the school summer holidays – it does not run at peak season – but was due to resume mid August but never did.

She has been leading the classes for the past three years. Aquacise is low impact so making water exercises ideal for those with arthritis, back problems, foot or leg injuries and knee conditions and ideal for those with sports injuries. Pregnant women and the obese.

A Highland Council spokeswoman said there had been no further developments on the issue.

Macdonald Aviemore Resort was asked for comment but had failed to provide any by the time of going to press.