Xcite Linlithgow named Scotland’s top public leisure centre for second year at ukactive Awards

Xcite Linlithgow, operated by Xcite (West Lothian Leisure), has been named Scotland’s Public Club/Centre of the Year for the second year running at the prestigious ukactive Awards 2026, held last night (8 October) at the ICC in Birmingham.

The centre was recognised for its outstanding community engagement and inclusive approach to health and wellbeing, helping more people get active through programmes shaped by local needs and customer feedback.

The ukactive Awards recognise excellence and innovation in the physical activity sector across the UK, highlighting organisations and individuals getting more people, more active, more often. Xcite, which manages health, sport and leisure services on behalf of West Lothian Council, was the only Scottish Community Leisure Trust to win an award, having been shortlisted for three awards this year.

Xcite Linlithgow’s success reflects its commitment to inclusive health and wellbeing. With almost 5,000 members, the centre recorded 538,897 annual visits, up more than 34,000 on the previous year, alongside a 95% customer satisfaction rating. Its diverse programme caters for all ages and abilities, from Learn to Swim and Stronger Together 60+ to women’s weightlifting and neurodiversity-friendly gym sessions.

Responding to community feedback, the centre has introduced sold-out Weightlifting clinics, Men’s Only Yoga and expanded youth Hyrox sessions, while partnerships including the Scotland Cerebral Palsy Football First Team demonstrate its commitment to making physical activity accessible to everyone.

The UKactive award win underlines Xcite’s wider vision of a West Lothian where everyone can live a healthier, happier, and longer life; a mission reflected across its venues, outreach programmes and partnerships with schools, community groups and health providers.

Karen Wernham, Head of Operations for Xcite, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Xcite Linlithgow has been recognised as Scotland’s Public Club/Centre of the Year, for the second year running at the ukactive Awards! Once again, it is an incredible achievement and testament to the passion, creativity and hard work of our entire team.

“This award recognises our commitment to listening to our communities, removing barriers to participation and creating innovative, inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active. As a charity, we’re about much more than gyms and swimming pools. We’re creating welcoming spaces where people can build confidence, make friendships and improve their wellbeing. We’re incredibly proud of this recognition and remain committed to helping more people across West Lothian live healthier, happier and longer lives.”