Bruce plea for support for Bon Accord Gymnastics Club

2.31.36pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th Mar 2007

The future success of Bon Accord gymnastocs club may depend on support from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council

Local MP Malcolm Bruce is calling on local support to find a new home for the Bon Accord Gymnastics club following reports that they may be made homeless this summer.

The Bridge of Don based club, which has produced 16 Scottish champions, is being forced to move from its premises at the end of its lease in July, and an alternative venue has yet to be found. With over two hundred young members, the club maintains the only permanently laid out compliment of women's gymnastic equipment in the North of Scotland.

Commenting on the Club's plight, Mr Bruce said.

"Bon Accord Gymnastics Club is a north-east success story. They have historically punched well above their weight against much better funded clubs from the central belt. They also help over two hundred youngsters have fun and keep active week after week.

I am appealing for any businesses or individuals that know of a venue that the club could use to come forward as a matter of urgency."

Commenting on the possibility of council support, the Aberdeenshire MP added:

"I am also urging both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council to co-operate in finding the Club a permanent home. I am asking the council whether gymnastics could be developed alongside the proposed 50m Olympic swimming pool for which I have campaigned for several years."

Commenting on the provision of gymnastic facilities in Aberdeenshire, Gordon MSP Nora Radcliffe said:

"Aberdeenshire has some excellent gymnasts and encouraging our young people in the pursuit of excellence has to be a high priority. If we do wish to inspire our children to compete at the highest level, we owe it to them to provide them with the best facilities."