A GYM in the Wee County has made good use of the coronavirus lockdown to completely renovate the premises before welcoming back members.

The training facilities are once again open at the Scottish Martial Arts Centre at Tullibody's Dumyat Business Park following a facelift.

Gym owner Adam Paterson, who had to mark the 10th birthday of the venture during lockdown, is delighted to be welcoming people back.

He said: "We've completed a full renovation for our 10th year anniversary, new toilets, changing room, new gym facilities.

"The longer the lockdown went on the more worried you got – it didn't seem like there would be an end.

"But we are back to business [last week] was our first week back.

"It's looking good, members have supported us through the lockdown."

In turn, the gym also looked to support its members through online initiatives while the doors had to stay locked.

A number of changes had to be made for re-opening, in line with guidelines.

People's temperature is taken on arrival and one-way systems are in place.

Layouts have also been changed to accommodate social distancing and there is hand sanitising stations located throughout the premises.

There are restrictions on the number of people in classes, meaning the timetables had to be completely overhauled.

In some ways, this has been beneficial for young people's sessions in taekwondo, kick-boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Adam said: "It's worked out pretty well, it means the older kids are now grouped together in their bubble between 12 and 17.

"Over the last couple of weeks, we've been doing our outdoor sessions and indoor sessions, we found that the kids in that age group are really reinvigorated with their training again.

"Their parents have all been saying how much they enjoyed it and are looking forward to it because they are now training with other kids their age group."

The gym owner added: "It's good to see them back, it's definitely a big part of their development."

One of the top martial arts centres in the UK, the purpose built 5,000sqm facility has re-opened seven days a week.

There are martial arts classes for young people and adults, fitness classes, the gym and even a recently introduced café for parents to enjoy.

Adam's vision is for parents and children to access all their training and gym needs under the one roof, with family discounts available.

People can visit smac-online.co.uk or find Scottish Martial Arts Centre on Facebook for opening times and further information.