Stonehaven Open Air Pool set to reopen after revamp

Stonehaven's iconic open-air swimming pool is preparing to reopen this weekend.

The venue has been shut since 2019 after the pandemic prevented it from opening last year.

But volunteer members of Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool have spent the downtime giving the venue a revamp, including a new slide, upgraded toilets and a disabled changing room, painting, landscaping and maintenance.

Visitors can now book one-hour slots online or by phone.

Operator Live Life Aberdeenshire says a blend of lane swimming, family areas and aqua zumba will be on offer, while it is hoped that midnight swims may be able to return.

Pete Hill, chairman of the Friends group, said: "It's almost too difficult to express in words what it means to be reopening without getting tearful.

"The pool is at the heart of the Stonehaven community and vital to the town. Not only is it a source of pleasure to the townspeople but also it acts as a magnet bringing visitors from far and even further afield who help buoy up the local economy.

"We all missed the pool last year, I lost count of the number of times I would see both adults and kids looking longingly through the gate on the South Wall into the desolate pool area.

"This year it will be different - we're not out of the woods yet and things will be different - but we're on our way back."

Avril Nicol, head of Live Life Aberdeenshire, said: "We were all disappointed not to be able to open the pool last year, but that was the right thing to do in terms of the safety of staff, customers and the community.

“We have worked hard with the support of the Friends to be able to open in 2021 and we hope that all those people who we know have missed the chance to visit Stonehaven and swim outdoors will appreciate the opportunity all the more.

"Generations of locals and visitors to the town have fantastic memories of trips to the pool and we hope this season will be a great success, providing many more happy experiences and memories.

"I hope the pool opening can bring some extra sunshine into people’s lives as our communities begin to recover from the pandemic."