Free swimming sessions for anyone under 26 in East Lothian this summer

East Lothian Council and Enjoy Leisure are supporting the offer as part of the Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport 2026 scheme, which includes a nationwide programme of free and low-cost sport and activities for children and young people.

Swimmers aged 26 and under will be able to access the free sessions until August 7, with family sessions also available, allowing up to two parents or carers to join children and young people in the pool.

Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing, said: "We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Enjoy Leisure to support the Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport initiative to increase participation, remove barriers and strengthen community wellbeing across the county.

"We hope free swimming will enable young people to benefit from our excellent local facilities while inspiring them to stay active well beyond the summer months."

The sessions run from 11am each day during public swimming hours at Aubigny Sports Centre in Haddington, Mercat Gait Centre in Prestonpans, Dunbar Leisure Pool, Musselburgh Sports Centre and North Berwick Sports Centre.

East Lothian Council and Enjoy Leisure are using a £243,000 award from the £20 million Summer of Sport national initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, to deliver the programme.

Bill Axon, chief executive of Enjoy Leisure, said: "As a charity, Enjoy Leisure is committed to ensuring activity is as accessible as possible for East Lothian communities and visitors.

"We know that the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on families, so initiatives like the Summer of Sport programme are incredibly important.

"With this funding, we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of happy faces into our swimming pools and facilities across the county this summer.

"This initiative has the added benefits, apart from being free, of promoting health and wellbeing in a fun and safe water-based environment."

The scheme aims to reduce financial and social barriers to sport and encourage healthy, active lifestyles in young people.

East Lothian’s Active Schools and sports development teams will also use the funding to support young people in developing coaching skills and delivering extra-curricular activities, especially in schools with limited current provision.

Plans are also in place to ensure every primary school across the county has access to the enhanced activity programme from August 2026 to March 2027.

Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of sportscotland, said: "At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives.

"The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.

"We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport."