One of the north-east’s most iconic tourist attractions may not be open for the new season it has emerged.
Generations of locals and tourists have descended on Stonehaven to sample its open air pool’s heated salt water through the spring and summer.
But it has now emerged that the opening date, traditionally the end of the month, could be ruled out.
Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed an ongoing health and safety investigation has delayed essential maintenance works from being carried out at the 164ft pool.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation in February after a pensioner fell from scaffolding and injured himself.
The man had been carrying out work as part of volunteer group Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool, which is responsible for ensuring the upkeep of the pool’s façade.
Though he has thankfully recovered, the accident has caused all manner of upheaval and delays.
And while the 1930s pool usually opens its doors on the last weekend of May, council contractors are still working on its infrastructure.
The Friends group has also been unable to carry out its usual preparation work – such as painting the area outside the pool – with members effectively barred until new health and safety procedures are agreed upon.
Last night, Councillor Wendy Agnew said she was “angry and disappointed” that the community had been left to speculate about the facility’s future.
“It’s the jewel in Stonehaven’s crown and people look forward to it opening all year,” she said.
“I just think it’s a bit severe that the Friends haven’t been allowed in as while there was an accident the man has fully recovered.”
The council said it expected to make an announcement on the opening in the coming days.
A spokesman said: “We have met with the Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool to assure them we will do everything in our power to ensure the pool opens on time, or as close to the start of the season as possible.
“We have asked our contractors to make every effort to complete the works and will make a decision soon on whether the pool will open at the end of May as planned.
“For the meantime, we would like to thank the Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool for their continued dedication and support for this much-loved facility.”
HSE confirmed its inquiries are still ongoing but said it could not comment further.
The Friends declined to comment.