The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Picturesque sea pool at Pittenweem to be restored to former glory.
AVictorian tidal pool in Fife ’s picturesque East Neuk is to be brought back to its former glory by spring.
The West Braes Project group has secured £270,000 to restore the sea pool at Pittenweem, and the work is expected to be complete by February.
T he group has been keeping followers updated on social media, and already visitors are coming to Pittenweem to see the pool, which was a huge draw for families before it fell into dereliction decades ago.
Work, which is set to get under way soon, will include replacing eroded concrete and installing steps, terraces and a ramp for emergency access.
The project’ s Ni cola Thomson said: “I think this will make a big difference to Pit ten we em. In particular local businesses will certainly benefit from it. In fact, they’re already saying they are.”
West Braes Project trustee Bill Watson said many local people had fond memories of the sea pool.
He said: “We help run the crazy golf and nearly every weekend someone comes along and reminisces about the pool, and how they would swim in it every day during the summer, and how busy it was.
“In its heyday it had a diving board, a chute and a float in the middle.”
In years gone by there was a row of wooden changing huts beside the pool. Mr Watson said the new-look pool would include canvas changing shelters for bathers.
Nicola said the project had created a buzz among open water swimmers.
The re ha s been increasing awareness about the benefits of this type of swimming in recent years.
“Two or three wild swimming groups will use the pool in the state it’s in just now. They can’t wait until it’s done,” she said.
“People are becoming aware of the health benefits. Doctors are prescribing things like this for mental health recovery and skin conditions.
“Plus, people are meeting new people – the benefits are massive.”
However, the Royal Life Saving Society UK has urged swimmers to take safety precautions, including not taking a dip in open water alone.
Nicola said there would be no lifeguard at the pool and bathers are advised to swim with a “buddy” and consider wearing a wetsuit.
The project must be finished by February, after which the group’s funding from the EU-supported Fife Leader scheme runs out.
Fife Environment Trust and Fife Council have also supported the project.
It had a diving board, a chute and a float