MASC President shares concerns following extended closure of the Loch Centre in Tranent

Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club would like to express their concerns and disappointment about the recently announced extended closure of the Loch Centre in Tranent. 

The Loch Centre is home to Tranent Amateur Swimming Club (TASC), one of three vital grassroots competitive swimming clubs in the East Lothian swimming pathway, alongside MASC and Haddington.

MASC Club President, Debbie Lawson, said:

"I am greatly concerned to hear that the Loch Centre is to remained closed for an extended period of time. Over the years TASC has played a pivotal role in producing world class athletes alongside, ourselves, Haddington and the East Lothian performance team (ELST).

"We are concerned for our fellow club and its members as well as the East Lothian swimming pathway. This decision will impact the whole community and many families across the county. 

"Pool time is at a premium and there is not enough availability in nearby pools to offer a full training schedule. Coupled with the impacts of additional travel to temporary facilities, this has resulted in a challenging situation for TASC, both in terms of club growth and member retention.

"The loss of the Loch Centre has put additional demands on the remaining pools and pool availability is now at a premium for many of our clubs. It is not only essential that the funds are found to reopen this facility, but that adequate maintenance is allocated to ensure our remaining pools are safeguarded too. Swimming is a life skill and having accessible facilities is incredibly important for local communities.

"We will be in touch with Colin Beattie, MSP Midlothian North & Musselburgh, to share our concerns and will continue to do what we can to support our friends at TASC."