Fyrish gymnasts target local hill landmark in fight to sace Alness premises

GYMNASTS taking steps to protect the future of their treasured Easter Ross premises made further progress at the weekend with a walk up to a local landmark.

Fyrish Gymnastics Club is raising funds as part of a package it aims to put together for the purchase of the premises it currently rents at Teaninich Industrial Estate in Alness.

A sponsored walk at the weekend saw a large group of members along with family, friends and well-wishers walk up to the Fyrish monument.

‘Save our gym!’ appeal launched by Easter Ross club

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Fundraising leader Kirsty McTaggart said: “The kids were absolutely amazing. It is not an easy walk and they were all so proud of themselves when they made it.

“We are also so thankful to all the children's families who made it possible. We had such an amazing turnout of adults too.”

The effort comes on the back of another long-term fundraiser which invites businesses to buy a ‘brick’ with their logo for display in the foyer of the premises.

That has already triggered an enthusiastic response with the ‘one brick at a time’ drive.

Kirsty McTaggart said: “It’s an opportunity for local businesses to show their support and get something in return with their logo displayed on the bricks.

“The idea is that they will seen by everyone coming into the building and will also be a backdrop for gymnasts when medals are presented at competitions.”

Local painters have agreed to paint the porch of the building ready for bricks to be added.

The club has a GoFundMe with a target of £70,000 which is currently almost 10 per cent of the way. The hope is to raise enough for a solid deposit as part of a wider funding package.

The premises rented from landlord BT, which has pulled out of former contact centre sites in Alness, have been put on the market for £400,000.

It had been hoping to purchase the former call centre building it currently leases for around £150,000 and was actively fundraising towards that target. It has been working to secure 80 per cent funding from a community ownership fund.

The club has a secure lease up until the beginning of 2028, but the building - which houses a purpose-built sprung floor and extensive equipment the envy of the Highlands and islands gymnastics’ community - is now on the open market.

BT previously told us: “The gymnastics club adjacent to the former BT office in Alness is on a long-term lease, from BT to the club, until 2028.

“We have been providing the property at significantly reduced rent for several years to the current tenant. While we have advertised the building for sale at the current market value as we no longer need it, we are open to any offer, especially from the current tenant, to purchase it.”

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