News / Cheers to 40 years – Clickimin Leisure Complex celebrates anniversary
THE CLICKIMIN Leisure Complex in Lerwick is celebrating 40 years of being open to the public.
The venue was officially opened by Olympian Tessa Sanderson on 30 March 1985, and has been a constant in the lives of Shetlanders ever since.
Shetland Recreational Trust (SRT) owns and operates the building, along with the isles’ seven other leisure centres.
It said over 20 million customers have passed through the doors of its facilities since the Clickimin first opened its doors in 1985.
It has undergone several major developments over the last four decades, starting with the addition of the swimming pool and bowls hall in 1995.
The Clickimin swimming pool was opened in July 1995 following almost two years of construction.
A squash court was added in 2004 ahead of the 2005 Island Games, with a new gym, central reception and indoor 60:40 facility opened in 2017 in the last major addition.
As well as the pool the Clickimin offers several outdoor football pitches, and an indoor hall which has helped host the 2005 Island Games and countless inter-counties across sports like netball and badminton.
It has welcomed numerous live music acts, including The Smiths, The Proclaimers and Pulp, and comedians such as Kevin Bridges, Billy Connolly and Bill Bailey.
And events such as Shetland Folk Festival, Rising North music festival and the Shetland Fiddle and Accordion Festival have all made the Clickimin home for gigs in recent years.
SRT said it welcomed back architect Allan White – who helped design the Clickimin and the other leisure facilities – to Shetland last weekend to visit the centres.
It said it was just over 40 years since his initial visit.
The recreational trust said it would be sharing some of the events and activities that have taken place at the Clickimin over the last 40 years with people in the next 12 months.
SRT added it is planning to celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer, with people encouraged to keep an eye out for more information.
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