A new £4.5 million extension to the University’s Centre for Sport and Exercise has been unveiled this week.
The three-storey development was launched in the company of HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, the Chancellor of the University.
State-of-the art facilities
The extension provides around 1900 square metres of additional state-of the-art sports and physical activity space.
The new development, with stunning views to Holyrood Park, includes a designated performance gym, a unique body conditioning 'myGym' and spacious dance studio.
It transforms the previously unused underground vaults into a spectacular free weights gym and creates a new rowing gym named in honour of Olympic great Katherine Grainger.
It also includes extensions to the existing range of facilities and FASIC sports injuries clinic.
Links with Edinburgh Festivals
The opening of the new gym was part of an event showcasing ties between the University and the Edinburgh festivals.
The Centre for Sports and Exercise is the venue for the latest production by the National Theatre of Scotland which is being premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The play Beautiful Burnout, portrays the world of Scottish boxing and is set in a Glasgow gym.
Chancellor’s Awards
During his visit to the University the Chancellor presented awards to three members of staff at a gala dinner.
The Chancellor’s Awards were made in front of 200 supporters of the University at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Medical advances
Professor Peter Sandercock from Medicine and Veterinary Medicine was presented with an award in recognition of his research.
Professor Sandercock is a leading researcher in the field of strokes and is actively involved in acute stroke care at the University.
Teaching excellence
Professor James Garden from Medicine and Veterinary Medicine was honoured for his innovative work in teaching, including his ground-breaking contributions to the University’s Postgraduate Taught e-learning portfolio.
Rising Star
Dr Euan Brechin from the College of Science and Engineering received the Rising Star Award.
Dr Brechin is internationally recognised for his work and his research has contributed significantly to the understanding of key aspects of the chemistry and physics of molecular nanomagnets.
The awards, now in their seventh year, are presented in recognition of innovation, relevance, creativity and personal dedication.