Hopes that a popular open air pool could somehow reopen this summer have been dashed by the confirmation that it will remain shut all year.
The opening of the famed art deco spot in Stonehaven was postponed in May because of the pandemic, in line with the closure of other public swimming pools around the area.
But following ongoing discussions between Live Life Aberdeenshire and the Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool, it has now been decided that opening this summer is “not viable”.
The facility is usually open from the end of May to the beginning of September, but Covid-19 restrictions have meant annual preparatory work could not take place.
A spokesman for Live Life Aberdeenshire said: “Based on current industry guidance it is probable that if the pool were able to open, numbers would be severely limited and based around lane swimming – with no or limited access to changing.
“Coupled with the time and expense taken to prepare the pool and the length of actual season left, this is felt to be the most practical decision, though clearly we make it with a heavy heart.”
The focus will now shift to future fundraising efforts, and the Friends of the Pool hope to progress with improvement works as soon as that is practical, including the installation of a new chute which they have funded.
