“Sguais Uibhist” is a community squash club located in Balivanich, on the Isle of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. Serving the people of Barra, South Uist, Benbecula, and North Uist, the club opened its doors in September 2017 and quickly gained attention, being featured in a short video on BBC Alba in February 2018.
The club operates out of a refurbished court in Balivanich, made possible by the support of The Caladh Trust, who own the building. Ongoing refurbishment work is taking place, thanks to generous financial support from various local organisations, including An Treas Roinn InnseGall, Voove, local independent councillors, Sealladh na Beinne Moire, CalMac Ferries, Benbecula Community Council, and Uist & Barra Sports Council. Equipment has also been donated by the Highlands & Islands Squash Association, while Scottish Squash has provided support and encouragement.
At Sguais Uibhist, members have the opportunity to participate in club squash leagues. The highlight of the season is the annual winter team squash league, which runs from September to February. Joining the leagues is a great way to find players of a similar standard. Individual leagues typically run for about 5 weeks at a time.
Those interested in taking part can contact the club via sguaisuibhist@gmail. Com.
To book a court at Sguais Uibhist, members can use the club's automatic booking system. Bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance and are for one hour. The cost is 8. 40 during peak times and 5.
00 during off-peak hours. A temporary PIN will be provided for access, along with instructions and the conditions of the booking. Rackets and balls are available for use within the building, and the court heater can be operated using the switch on the far wall opposite the green door. The court lights will activate once you step onto the court.
For further information or to contact Sguais Uibhist regarding bookings or club events, individuals can visit the club's website at http://sguais. Net/, email sguaisuibhist@gmail. Com, follow them on Twitter (@sguibhist), or find them on Facebook (@sguais).
The club's address is East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA.