It was the meeting place for generations of Caithness folk – as long as you were hardy enough to brave the cold.
And now, after serious storm damage made it a no-go, fundraiers are determined to make Wick’s outdoor swimming pool usable again.
For years, the Trinkie on the Pulteneytown seafront formed a communal gathering spot where people learned to swim, but also held barbecues and get-togethers.
It was badly damaged in a storm in recent years and the group which had been looking after it disbanded at the start of last year.
It looked like it would suffer the fate of being abandoned, as have many outdoor pools in the country.
But a new group has come to the rescue and is in the throes of arranging to give the pool some much-needed TLC.
Since forming just over a year ago, The Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group has been beavering away to save the amenity and return it to its former glory.
Secretary Catherine Patterson yesterday said the pool was where many townspeople learned to swim before the town’s first indoor pool was opened in 1994.
She said: “It was badly damaged in a storm a few years ago which has left a significant hole in its main wall. It’s deteriorating and it needs attention before further damage is done.”
The group has had a structural study carried out and is in the throes of raising the £20,000 needed to do the work and give it a makeover.
“The previous committee kindly gifted us £1000 and we have been making applications for funding to a number of organisations.
“The total is not unachievable and we have just elected a new hard-working committee while we have been getting an overwhelmingly positive response to our efforts to save The Trinkie.”
It has previously been warned that fixing the pool would not be easy due to the damage, because of the holes and cracks. It is understood that patching tends to just open up again.
The Trinkie was a huge attraction in the summer months – particularly as the town did not get an indoor swimming pool until 1994.
It is hoped a re-opening would be an economic boost for the area and attract some extra visitors, or make them stay longer.