An update from our CEO

18 June 2020

We hope all of you are staying safe and well in these extremely challenging times.

Although our doors have been closed over the past twelve weeks, our teams have been hard at work planning for the time when we are able to restart services. It is frustrating that we are still not in a position to announce confirmed dates for you. However, I want to take this opportunity to share the approach we are taking.

We will use current Scottish Government guidance (as revised through the route map) in parallel to our internal five step qualifying criteria as the decision benchmarks. Continued discussions with our colleagues at National Agencies, including Scottish Museums and Galleries, Creative Scotland and Sport Scotland, will remain an important channel of communication as will discussions with local community partners. However a number of challenges still remain, and not having clarity on considerations such as timing is impacting our planning as a consequence.

You may be aware we have already reopened our outdoor tennis courts at Galashiels. This has proven to be a relief to many who are desperate to engage in sport and fitness once again, we are delighted to have been able to provide this opportunity. We are hopeful more of our services will be open in Phase 3 of the Scottish Governments road map subject to ensuring we put your safety, and the safety of our staff at the centre of all we do.

We understand completely however, that even when the Scottish Government allows it and our tests have been met, some people will not feel ready to come back to our centres, or may be nervous about doing so. We greatly appreciate your need for reassurance about safety and hygiene and proof that we are taking this landscape seriously.

Customer Survey

I would like to thank all of those who took part in our recent customer survey. The response rate was very high, and the overwhelming desire to return to life as we knew it is very strong with 98% of you telling us you would be returning as soon as you are allowed. Naturally, 35% of the 98% added the caveat that you expected to see safety and hygiene as a main priority. We have listened and we have planned. The ‘new normal’ will include cleaning stations, cashless payments and pre booking systems as essential components of our operations.

Membership Fees

We would like to reassure our members that we will not automatically restart membership fees without giving prior notice to you.

We remain grateful for your continued loyalty and eagerly await being able to continue this journey with you. The landscape will be very different than what we have all been used to, but the same ambition and aspirations remains. We consider our members a part of our community, united in improving physical and mental wellbeing, something which is even more important than ever now.

Once again, I extend my thanks to those who have generously continued with their fees or made donations to support the trust. Your continued support will allow us to achieve our goals and your desire for services more quickly.

We will all adapt to the ‘new normal’ through our determination to experience happier, healthier and stronger lifestyles

I hope this information is useful and reassuring, and we will be in touch with further information as soon as we are able to share more.

If you have any questions or feedback please do not hesitate to contact me at hello@liveborders.org.uk

In the meantime, please stay safe and we eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you back.

Ewan Jackson

Chief Executive Officer

Live Borders