The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘Delightful’ opening day at outdoor pool
Weekend of warm weather ensured season got off to a busy start
One of the north-east’s biggest tourist attractions welcomed crowds of enthusiastic families to its summer opening at the weekend.
Hot sun and warm water ensured Stonehaven’s open air pool – the only art deco example of its kind in the UK – was packed the whole day on Saturday.
Pete Hill, the chairman of the Friends group that maintains the pool, said they were “absolutely delighted” that conditions were so good for the opening.
The pool was opened by the Lord-Lieutenant of Kincardineshire, Carol Kinghorn, followed by a performance by Newtonhill Pipe Band and a disco.
“I am always delighted to be involved with the Stonehaven Open Air Pool as it is such an important attraction for the town and indeed the whole area,” said Mrs Kinghorn.
“I am aware that the Friends of the Pool have been working tirelessly since it closed last September to ensure it is ready and looking its best for the 2017 season.
Aberdeenshire Council, which owns the pool, has also had the water filters replaced in recent weeks so that the quality of the clean, warm sea water can be maintained.”
Members of the Friends of the Pool have volunteered for 5,000 hours to refurbish the ladies’ changing rooms and the gents’ toilets, clean and repaint the pool, and perform a number of other duties.
They came together to ensure the pool’s future when it was threatened with closure in the 1990s, and work with Aberdeenshire Council which owns, staffs and operates the attraction.
Aberdeenshire Council’s head of lifelong learning and leisure, John Harding, said: “I hope the sun smiles on Stonehaven over the summer and that everyone who uses the pool remembers their unique experience at what is a star attraction for the area.”
The pool takes seawater from Stonehaven Bay, treats and heats it to 29C, and will be open every day until September 3.
Visit www.stonehavenopenairpool. co.uk for information on opening times.
I am always delighted to be involved with the Stonehaven Open Air Pool...
CAROL KINGHORN LORD-LIEUTENANT OF KINCARDINESHIRE