Long-awaited plans to safeguard a dilapidated art deco pool in the north-east have received crucial backing from Historic Scotland.
Aberdeenshire Council has tabled a package of proposals aimed at breathing new life into the Tarlair complex on the edge of Macduff, which has been mostly dormant since it shut nearly 20 years ago.
The local authority is setting aside £300,000 for a package of essential repairs and improvements.
The scheme, which is designed to conserve the outdoor pool’s category-A listing, is expected to significantly lower maintenance costs and alleviate health and safety fears.
Now Historic Scotland has voiced its support for the development as part of a statutory consultation process.
Michael Scott, senior heritage management officer for the Scottish Government body, said: “We welcome these phase one proposals to tackle the deteriorating state of the Tarlair pool, which is an outstanding example of an art deco outdoor swimming pool complex recognised by its Category A status.
“As it has been on the national Buildings at Risk register since 2008, we are particularly pleased to see such well conceived proposals to arrest its decay and safeguard the structure.”
Mr Scott added: “This would be a critical first step of an ambitious programme to reinstate a beneficial community-based use of the pool complex, including its potential reopening as a swimming pool and boating pond.”
The planned work involves the restoration of concrete terraces and repairs to the boating pool. New disability ramps and a wave wall will also be built.
Because of the site’s status, listed building consent will be required before any work can begin.
Earlier this summer, the pool was temporarily resurrected as a live music venue for the north-east’s popular Coast Festival – the biggest musical event there since Wet Wet Wet, Runrig and Jethro Tull played there during the 1990s.
The seaside attraction is more than 80 years old and, in its heyday, attracted thousands of visitors from Scotland and from overseas. There were earlier calls to restore and reopen the pool as a visitor attraction, but council officers said the work could cost about £2.5million. Councillors agreed a cheaper option of repairs in June last year.