Outside dips all winter at pool
Soaring demand at ‘ Charlie’s’ hot baths
It was midnight at the oasis - and the pool was still packed.
The popular New Cumnock outdoor pool was open on Saturday night until 12am for a special ‘ swim under the stars’ session.
And the refurbished lido has become such a magnet for bathers that bosses have decided to keep the attraction open into the depths of the chilly Scottish winter.
Numbers have already surpassed 6,000 visitors since Prince Charles unveiled it in June.
Gordon Neil, facilities manager at Dumfries House Trust said: “I can confirm that the pool’s open season will be extended until the end of November, continuing our offering of public access to the pool as well as fitness programmes and Swim Under The Stars events well into the winter. We will then aim to open again regularly, depending on weather, from midFebruary.
“Feedback from visitors has been positive, and people are coming from far and wide to experience the pool. The only negative has been that, for one person, the pool was too warm.”
Swimmers were dookin’ in the dark on Saturday night and our photographer Alister Firth went along to capture them basking under the starry heavens. Other events planned include a Hallowe’en party at the end of October and a New Year’s Day Dip.
Aqua jogging classes and ladies only evenings are on the agenda.
The attraction has provided a welcome oasis in New Cumnock, which as a former mining town has suffered a downturn in industry.
Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley MSP Jeane Freeman said: “I was really impressed when I visited the pool.
“Not only are the facilities of a really high standard, what’s even more important is the involvement and enthusiasm of local community leaders and staff to make this a great facility with exciting plans for the next year. New Cumnock deserves all of this support and the regeneration going on is attracting interest and admiration from other parts of Scotland.”
Prince Charles declared the pool as “decidedly splendid” during the official opening.
Its official title is the Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Swimming Pool.
It was refurbished - thanks to cash from the Dumfries House Outreach Programme. And there is no doubt that it is all coming along swimmingly.