Hutchesons’ Grammar £750k Athletic Development Centre opened by tennis star Leon Smith

Leon, who grew up in Clarkston, cut the ribbon at a ceremony in front of pupils, staff and guests, marking the end of a six-month build project.

Pupils will now be able to enjoy working out in the state of the art cardio and strength and conditioning suites.

The Athletic Development Centre is the latest development in the school’s Sports Strategy – ‘Fitness and Health for Life@Hutchesons’.

The aim of the new facility is three-fold – to support the school’s growing band of aspiring international athletes; to provide first rate strength and conditioning for our school teams; and to encourage all pupils to engage in personal fitness and exercise for health and well-being.

The school is delighted to have acquired the services of a qualified and specialist coach to oversee and manage the centre.

Before cutting the ribbon and unveiling the commemorative plaque Leon, who left Hutchesons’ in 1993, told pupils: “This is a game-changer for everyone at Hutchesons’, there is no doubt about it.

“The new development is very far away from the days I remember at school.

“Whether anyone wants to go into performance sport or pursue a career as an athlete, or, what’s even more important, have a general health and wellbeing behind you as a culture, you have that now with these facilities.

“I really do urge you to make the most of it.”

The new Athletic Development Centre complements the existing world class sports facilities including the international standard running track, which regularly hosts the Scottish Schools Relay Championships.

The Senior Depute Rector Mike Martin said: “I am delighted that this facility, which has been in the planning for some time, has now been completed and opened.

“I strongly believe that the centre will offer all pupils the opportunity to keep fit and healthy.”