Edinburgh’s Boroughmuir Rugby and Community Sports Club, home to the award-winning Energy Gym, has secured a £100,000 loan from leading responsible finance provider Social Investment Scotland (SIS) to expand its fitness facilities and capacity for new members.

Based at the Meggetland Sports Complex, Energy Gym is an integral part of the club, regularly used by the senior rugby squad, academy players, and other sports teams. 

By modernising and expanding the gym’s facilities, the club will be able to offer more training time and provide a high-quality development environment for its players, particularly those progressing through the youth academy. 

The investment is expected to help attract new senior players, grow participation in the academy, and increase use of the facilities which will bring more activity and energy to the complex and clubhouse. The resulting uplift in footfall should also support long-term income growth, while the upgrade itself will provide more space and better equipment for all members, ensuring the gym remains a welcoming hub for the whole community.

Energy Gym offers a diverse programme of group classes, personal training, and wellness services for all ages and abilities. The club is currently running a “100 for 100” fundraising campaign to celebrate a century of history and support upgrades to its sports facilities.

Stevie Douglas, President of Boroughmuir Rugby & Community Sports Club said: “We’ve seen an incredible increase in demand for quality gym facilities, from young people getting into fitness for the first time to older members looking to stay active and connected. 

For over 100 years, our club has been at the heart of our community: inspiring participation, promoting health and wellbeing, and supporting sporting excellence. 

The financial support from SIS allows us to upgrade our facilities, provide the best possible training environment for our players and members, and help to ensure our club continues to thrive for the next 100 years.”

John Cornwall, investment manager at SIS, added: “The Rugby Club is a valued hub for the local community, with the gym providing accessible fitness opportunities in a welcoming environment for people of all ages. This funding will help the club meet rising demand and further strengthen its role in promoting health, wellbeing, and social connections.

Our mission at SIS is to connect capital with communities to make a real, measurable and sustainable impact upon people’s lives, so supporting this project aligns perfectly with who we are. We’re excited to back the rugby club and Energy Gym’s next chapter of growth.”