THE trust which runs Helensburgh and Lomond's leisure centres and library facilities has published more details of its 'route map' out of lockdown.

LiveArgyll says it's working towards an opening date of September 14 for gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools across Argyll and Bute – though this is dependent on Scottish Government guidance.

From the same date, and again depending on government guidance, LiveArgyll hopes to reopen community venues and soft play facilities and restart indoor school lets for community groups' meetings and events.

Before then, though, it's planned that organised adult groups such as sports clubs will be allowed to hire LiveArgyll sports pitches from the week beginning Monday, August 24 – though this, too, is dependent on the Scottish Government giving the green light.

READ MORE: LiveArgyll 'looking forward to welcoming you back'

Organised children's groups have been able to hire pitches since last month.

What will happen from August 24 is that Argyll and Bute residents can start returning the 14,000 library books that have been out on loan across the area since lockdown measures were introduced – though only at designated times.

The organisation, which took over the operation of Argyll and Bute Council's leisure and library services in October 2017, is planning further stages of its emergence from lockdown in October and November.

A spokesperson said: “We are pleased to report that we have started re-introducing a small number of services.

READ MORE: Gyms 'handcuffed by lockdown rules', says Helensburgh instructor

“Our outdoor pitches are now available for hire to organised children’s groups, and our Active Schools team have returned to work to prepare for the start of the new school term to support the health and well-being of our pupils.

“We are grateful to sportscotland for their continued financial support of the Active Schools programme.

“We have also been given an indicative opening date for our leisure facilities of September 14, and we are awaiting further national guidance on indoor community bookings, lets and events which may also be permitted to re-open from this date.

“We were hoping to begin our phased re-opening of our leisure facilities within weeks; however, this will now not be possible.”

READ MORE: Scotland's lockdown rules 'will make gyms go bust', warns Helensburgh centre's manager

Live Argyll hopes to increase fitness facility opening hours and the number of fitness classes from Monday, October 12, and to introduce a swimming lesson programme and children’s fitness facilities at least a week later.

However, these too are dependent on Government guidance.

A part-time 'click and collect' library service is planned to resume in libraries during the week commencing Monday, September 14, while restricted physical re-opening arrangements could restart during the week commencing Monday, October 5.

A return to full service arrangements, including part-time and island libraries, is planned for the week beginning Monday, November 2.

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest news headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond here