THE new chair of Live Argyll has praised the work of staff over the past year – and set her sights on continuing the services provided in Argyll and Bute in 2026.
Mairi Coleman, who lives in Lochgilphead, became the new chair of the leisure trust recently, replacing Andrew Nisbet, who retired from the position.
With a background in financial services, she is seeking a financial settlement with Argyll and Bute Council which enables the trust to continue its services.
She also wants to see Helensburgh Leisure Centre reopen, which the council has forecast could be the end of March at the latest.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Coleman said: “I have been on the board since Live Argyll started in 2017, and have really enjoyed it. It is a great organisation to work with.
“I have previously served as vice-chair, and when Andrew decided to retire as chair, it seemed natural to step into that role.
“The staff have been really great and take a collaborative approach, welcoming outside input from myself and other board members.
“As somebody who lives in Argyll and Bute and grew up there, it is important we have access to these services, so it was a no-brainer and an honour when I was asked.
“I did a business degree at university and went into the banking and financial services sector. I spent 15 years working in international banking and was very fortunate to be able to travel for the organisation I worked for.
“I left five or six years ago and took a year out to do construction management, and have spent that time working in a family business which I left last month.”
She added: “For next year there are two big things, one of which is agreeing the annual services payment. We are an arm’s length organisation but we are funding by the council.
“We are partly self-generated through gym memberships, retail and event charges but a lot of our income is from the council, so it is important to agree that payment.
“We have done a lot of cost-cutting and worked off a 2021 cost base going into 2025/26, which is a pretty remarkable achievement.
“The second thing that is really important is seeing Helensburgh Leisure Centre reopen.We have done a massive amount of work to mitigate the impact.”
