POOL’S FOUNDER WOULD HAVE APPROVED

The daughter of former provost Willie Johnston said her late father would have approved of plans to convert the former swimming pool in Montrose into a cinema.

Wilma Fotheringham travelled to the town from Aberdeen on Saturday.

During his spell on Montrose Town Council, Mr Johnston was involved in many of the big projects of the time, such as the building of the swimming pool and the conversion of a former church into the town hall.

He was also instrumental in bringing the pharmaceutical company Glaxo to Montrose.

In 1945 he stood for the Montrose Town Council and topped the poll.

He held various council offices and

“He would be really chuffed to think they were doing something positive with the old pool

was elected as provost in 1956, a position he would hold for four three-year terms, a council record.

Mr Johnston cut the first turf at the swimming pool, which opened its doors in 1962.

Mrs Fotheringham said: “I still have the spade and polish it every now and again. He would be really chuffed to think they were doing something positive with the old pool.

“He was instrumental during his time as provost in getting a swimming pool for Montrose when the town needed it.”

In 1969 his services to local government were recognised when he was made a freeman of the burgh and awarded with an MBE.

He died in 2005 aged 92.

Pictures: Paul Reid. Far left: the inside of the old Montrose Pool; left: the Playhouse project’s secretary and solicitor Kristin Alexander with chairman David Paton; above: Keith Wellington, a committee member and project manager, chatting to a visitor.