Tarlair open air pool to be saved from ruin

Tarlair Swimming Pool. Picture: submitted

In its heyday, the Tarlair open air swimming pool complex on the outskirts of Macduff was the last word in outdoor leisure.

But, since it closed 1995, Tarlair - hailed as “one of the forgotten architectural gems of Scotland” - has become a derelict eyesore and is now on the “high risk” list of Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register.

Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan area committee are now being urged to approve a £300,000 package of emergency spending to save the historic pool. The scheme would involve filling in the former boating pond at the site and a series of repairs to the main pool, buildings and roads.

Plans for a total refurbishment scheme are estimated to cost up to £2.5 million. A campaign group, Friends of Tarlair, was formed last year to lead efforts to restore the complex and the group has already made a Stage 1 Application for a Community Asset Transfer.

Stephen Archer, the council’s director of infrastructure services, states in a report to the area committee that the programme of essential repairs will demonstrate “commitment by the council to improve Tarlair and conserve the category listing, alleviate health and safety concerns, and prevent significant future maintenance costs.” The funding will also provide a platform for the potential future uses of the facility.

Mr Archer continues: “The Friends of Tarlair have been consulted and support the recommended option for essential repairs to be carried out. They feel this would be a positive step towards the future of Tarlair and demonstrate to the community the council’s willingness to fulfil their legal obligations to this unique Category A listed building.”

History

The large outdoor swimming pool, boating pond and art deco tea pavilion first opened in 1931. John Miller, the architect, who was also the burgh surveyor for Macduff, designed the pool’s outer wall to be fractionally below high-tide level, enabling waves to roll in over the edge, refilling it with clean sea water twice a day. Tarlair was first outdoor baths in Scotland to be granted Category-A listed status when it was recognised for its outstanding architectural and historic importance in 2007.

A report on the pool by Addison Conservation and Design, who are experts in historic conservation, states: “Tarlair Swimming Pool appears to have been seriously undervalued by many as a place in local history with a unique landscape setting, and as a very special example of emerging concrete engineering in a stunning piece of 1930s architecture.

“A review about how to think about the place is long overdue and the assumption that it has to be redeveloped to survive is, we believe, flawed and dangerous. It is not too late for a realistically deliverable and sympathetic approach to Tarlair despite the negative rumours about the condition of the place and despite the pessimism expressed by the many visitors we have met during our investigations. Most local people and visitors are horrified at the devastation they see there and the final prospects of complete loss from the neglect of a fine asset to Macduff and Banff. However there is now a willingness to see an end to the vacuum and the decline of Tarlair.”

The consultants add: “Tarlair is a place of outstanding national and international importance for the quality of its architecture, its completeness, the rarity of part of its early concrete structure, its picturesque and dramatic natural setting, its scientifically based interaction with the sea, its role in looking after the wellbeing and health of people, its courage in the use of municipal money, its social history and community benefit.”

Stonehaven

Meanwhile Aberdeenshire’s only surviving open air pool at Stonehaven will open for the summer season tomorrow. Mike Robins, chairman of the Friends of the Pool who now run the unique heated sea water facility, said: “It has been quite a challenge to make sure everything is ready in time, particularly given the poor weather over the last few weeks.

“The Friends’ volunteers have worked exceptionally hard together with staff of Aberdeenshire Council and its contractors to make sure the pool looks its best for its 79th season. Of course we’re hoping for good weather for the opening on Saturday, but, with the Mediterranean temperature of the water, you can still have lots of fun even if it’s not hot and sunny.”

ELSEWHERE

• 28dayslater.co.uk - pictures of Tarlair pool