The north-east’s only open-air swimming pool will open for its 80th season this weekend.
Lord Lieutenant Carol Kinghorn – the Queen’s Kincardineshire representative – will officially open the Stonehaven attraction at 11am on Saturday.
Yesterday she said she was looking forward to visiting the art deco landmark, adding: “I have many happy memories of swimming in the outdoor pool, where I learned to swim as a child many years ago. It therefore gives me particular pleasure to be opening the pool on its 80th anniversary.”
When the venue first opened in June 1934 after a public poll, the water was unheated – but is now kept at a balmy 29C.
In the years that followed, it was not only visitors who enjoyed a swim but also soldiers – who used it for recreation and showers – during World War II.
In 1994, a team of volunteers banded together to save it from closure and today the Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool work hard to keep it looking its best.
Over the last few months, the team have lovingly repainted the Olympic-sized tank, sun terrace and changing rooms, and are planning a fun-packed programme to mark the attraction’s 80th year.
Various activities such as midnight swims, aqua ceiildhs and inflatable fun will attract visitors of all ages throughout the summer months.
Friends chairman Mike Robins said yesterday: “It’s amazing – I doubt 80 years ago people thought the pool would last.
“When you see it now, it’s a lovely facility, it’s a listed building and a terrific facility and we have towns and cities around the UK looking on enviously, trying to resurrect their own lidos.”