150th Anniversary of the Arlington Baths, Glasgow

That this House congratulates the Arlington Baths Club in the West End of Glasgow, on its 150th anniversary; recognises that the club, which opened on 11th July 1870, is the oldest private baths club in the world, and is owned and run by its members on a not-for-profit basis; notes that the baths are housed in a Grade 'A' listed Victorian building, originally designed by John Burnet, in the heart of Glasgow’s West End; further notes that the building was extended in three phases over the next 32 years by eminent architects of the time, before undergoing partial renovation with National Lottery funding in 2000; acknowledges the club’s many contributions to health, wellbeing and sport over the years, including a role in the invention of water polo as a sport; appreciates that the club is an accredited Scottish Living Wage employer; welcomes the contribution the club makes to the wider community in Glasgow; thanks the Board of Management, including current chair Gordon McDougall, for their efforts in ensuring that the continued success of the club; understands that the club have significant plans for restoration and refurbishment of the premises to protect and enhance the club for future generations; notes that that the coronavirus pandemic has delayed much anticipated celebration events, but looks forward to these when the time comes, welcomes the decision of many members to stick with the club during lockdown, and wishes the club every success in the future.