Passing on the baton to swimming stars of the future, former world and European champion, and two times Olympic swimmer Ross Murdoch helped to officially open the new Helensburgh Leisure Centre.
Ross started his swimming ambition in Helensburgh competing at his first ever swimming gala.
Last week, the current 200-metre British record holder and Commonwealth bronze medallist joined Helensburgh Amateur Swim Club to try out the new pool.
The £22million leisure centre features a 25-metre main swimming pool and training pool, luxury health suite with steam room and sauna, a cafe and shop, fitness studios and a gym with panoramic views of the Clyde.
The centre, operated by liveArgyll, is fully accessible and includes a changing places facility, a floating moveable floor in the training pool and poolside pods for anyone with mobility issues to access the pool independently.
At the civic opening, Provost of Argyll and Bute, Maurice Corry, alongside Councillor Gary Mulvaney, unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.
Councillor Mulvaney said: “It’s an incredibly proud moment to officially open this new fantastic community asset in Helensburgh.
“Delivering this legacy build has been a huge achievement despite the challenges of building in the midst of a global pandemic.
“We are delighted to see so many people making use of the new facilities and as we continue to transform the waterfront into an attractive and vibrant area, we look forward to creating opportunities for future generations to enjoy.”
In honour of the Royal Navy, the new gym in the leisure centre is named the Neptune Suite.
Captain Nick Gibbons, Captain of HMS Neptune, said: “This is a fantastic addition to the local amenities and one that I am sure will be enjoyed by base personnel and their families who live and work in the area.”
