A BOXING club which has produced national amateur champions is hoping to rise from the canvas.

East Lothian Boxing Club closed its doors in 2018 after struggling to find suitable premises.

Now, renewed attempts are being made to bring the club – which was also home to Haddington’s Iain Trotter, who once fought for a national title as a professional – back to life.

Callum Colquhoun was involved in the club, which opened in 2010, and is again at the heart of plans to help it beat the 10 count.

He said: “I have emailed the Haddington councillors trying to actively seek for premises.

“I don’t know if premises are available but, once available, we will progress.

“I will organise a committee meeting between all the people and progress it from there.

“With a bit of luck, the club will get reformed.

“The only reason we closed was we did not have the premises. It was much the same for the Bronx in Tranent.

“They have managed to get premises and reformed, and they have been quite successful at the moment.

“I would like to think the East Lothian Boxing Club could be the same.”

Previously, the boxing club, which has also seen officials go on to be part of international events, was based in two units in Haddington’s Cheviot House.

However, costs became prohibitive and downsizing to one unit meant there was not enough space for the club.

READ MORE: Sadness at loss of Haddington boxing club

Mr Colquhoun, who has looked at other premises in the town, stressed that the club needed a permanent home where a ring, punchbags and other equipment could be in place at all times, rather than assembled and taken down when needed.

Previously, the pavilion in Neilson Park was identified as a possible location and Mr Colquhoun is also keen to explore the possibility of being based at the former Herdmanflat Hospital.

He added: “Any support at all from Haddington goes a long way to building a club.”

Mr Colquhoun, who is senior community protection officer with East Lothian Council, was a firm believer that boxing brought many benefits to people.

He said: “For a start, there is the fitness, the discipline and the camaraderie. There is the part of belonging to something and just giving something that belongs to them.

“Lots of great friendships get built in boxing – not just in your own club but others too. You are going travelling, meeting people and gaining life skills.”

Councillor George McGuire, Haddington and Lammermuir ward member, highlighted the potential return of the boxing club at a meeting of Haddington and District Community Council.

Speaking afterwards, he told the Courier it would be “an absolute boon” if it could be brought back to life.

He said: “I would back it 100 per cent and wish I could snap my fingers and produce premises for them.”