TURNING THE TIDE

Meet the swimmers embracing traditional coastal pools

As summer hots up, increasing numbers of folk are stripping off and diving into lochs, rivers and seas all over the country.

The concept of open-water, or wild swimming, is nothing new – we’ve been doing it for centuries.

But as we ease out of the Covid pandemic, the idea of splashing around in the cold, life-affirming waters of Scotland seems to have increased its appeal.

What indeed could be more liberating, especially in just a swimsuit, bikini or pair of trunks?

Those daunted by the prospect of swimming in the open sea, with its associated hazards (undercurrents, rip tides and so on), are embracing the prospect of being able to bathe in coastal tidal pools.

Sadly, most sank into decline decades ago, falling out of favour with swimmers who were lured away by the warm water and sunshine offered by foreign holidays.

In response, many councils closed pools, citing dwindling attendance and crippling refurbishment costs.

But with the recent obsession with swimming outdoors, and nostalgia for a time when summers were spent enjoying the Scottish coastline, there’s been a huge resurgence of interest; folk are keen to see their once-loved tidal pools being revived.

Already, in Caithness and Moray, a few have been brought back from the dead and are up and running thanks to the efforts of passionate and dedicated community members.

NORTH BATHS

A group of around 20 people swim at North Baths in Wick on a daily basis.

They’re in the process of seeking funding to restore and refurbish the baths, which were in a dire state until recently.

Originally opened in 1904, the baths were a mecca for locals for 60-plus years... until they abandoned them in favour of indoor pools.

Local historian Harry Gray recalls how they lay “in total devastation” in 2003.

In 2005, he and a group of fellow pensioners got together to restore the site, but recent winter storms undid their hard work.

Patty Coghill swims in North Baths most evenings and is involved in the restoration project.

“When I swam there with two cousins in February, it was in a really sorry state,” she laments.

“It was tricky getting in with all the boulders and a concrete plinth which had been smashed and thrown into the baths in 2012.

“One of the main walls was undermined and didn’t look like it would last another winter, which could result in the baths being lost forever.”

Despite the hazards, the trio enjoyed their wee dip and became addicted to swimming there.

After a photo of them was posted on Facebook, Patty was inundated with messages from folk keen to join her.

BATHS TIME: Some of Wick’s Kool Water Swimmers, with their organiser Patty Coghill, left foreground.

DIVING IN: An undated image of swimmers at North Baths in Wick.

Wick’s Kool Water Swimmers in the town’s North Baths.

An undated image of a busy scene at North Baths in Wick.