About
Tarlair Swimming Pool, located just outside Macduff in Banffshire (now Aberdeenshire) Scotland, is a landmark and historical outdoor swimming facility that opened its doors in 1931. Designed in an elegant Art Deco style, the main building of the pool sits at the base of a sea cliff, with changing rooms situated to its left-hand side. The construction of the pool was commissioned by Macduff Burgh Council in 1929, with architect John C Miller leading the project and Robert Morrison & Son serving as the contractor.
Since 2007, Tarlair Swimming Pool has been recognised as a category A listed building, providing it with protected status. It is considered by Historic Scotland to be the finest example of one of the only three remaining outdoor seaside pools in Scotland, the others being in Stonehaven and Gourock. The unique design of the pool includes a clever system of pumped sea water to fill the pools, and the main pool was regularly flooded at high tide to flush out the old water. While the diving board at the deep end and the child's chute at the shallow end are no longer present, they were once exciting features of the main pool.
Additionally, there was a second-largest pool for boating, as well as two paddling pools.
Over time, the complex has suffered from weathering, rock falls, and vandalism, leading to its current state of disrepair. However, in 2010, a proposal for redeveloping Tarlair Swimming Pool as a lobster hatchery was put forward, offering hope for the restoration and preservation of this unique facility.
Social media posts and photos from visitors to Tarlair Swimming Pool showcase the continued appreciation and enjoyment of this historic site. Walking along the coast, checking on renovations, and even hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, visitors share their experiences and the captivating beauty of the surroundings. The photos also highlight the stunning astrophotography opportunities that can be found at Tarlair Swimming Pool on clear nights.
Despite its current condition, Tarlair Swimming Pool stands as a testament to the rich history and heritage of Macduff and the surrounding region. It continues to captivate visitors with its unique design, breathtaking location, and the potential for future restoration and revitalisation.
