Scottish fact of the week: Tarlair swimming pool

Despite its A-listed status and Art Deco design, Tarlair swimming pool has lain in a state of slow decay.

Tarlair open air swimming pool near Macduff. Picture: Contributed

Shortly after opening in 1931, Tarlair, near Macduff, became a popular outdoor leisure centre. Its classic Art Deco contours, buttressed underneath the jagged rocks of the Banffshire landscape above it, made for an arresting contrast.

John Miller, the architect, built the outer wall just below sea level at high tide, which served to fill the pool with sea water twice a day.

The facility also features a paddling pool and a boating pool, with a tea pavillion located at the head of the latter.

Tarlair is one of only three surviving seaside outdoor swimming pools in Scotland. The others are in Stonehaven, which is B-listed, and Gourock.

Though visitors continue to visit Tarlair, which was granted its Category A status in 2007, it retains a rather shabby appearance. Aberdeenshire councillors have recently pledged £300,000 to refurbish Tarlair, which has raised hopes that the area will receive a boost in tourism.

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