An Art Deco lido on the Aberdeenshire coast is set to be brought back into public use after nearly 30 years of decay. The Tarlair complex, near Macduff, dates back to the 1930s and once attracted visitors from far and wide with its three pools and pavilion. However, dwindling visitor numbers led to its closure in the 1990s.
A £1.8m project to restore the pavilion is expected to begin next month, with hopes that the pools themselves will be restored at a later stage. The restoration aims to return the pavilion to its original state, reuniting the landscape with the building. Architect Chris Romer-Lee described the plans as 'brilliantly exciting', noting that Tarlair is 'such a gem' and one of the few remaining lidos in this condition in the country.
Local resident Reg Connon, 71, recalled fond memories of the pool in its heyday. 'You would stay here all day. It was very popular. Lots of people came down here,' he said. 'The scenes down here back then in the late 50s and early 60s it was a very busy place especially at the weekends.'
Pat Wain, chairwoman of the Friends of Tarlair group, said the restored pavilion would house a cafe, community space and a workshop. 'It will be the only true family community space in Macduff. It's much needed,' she added. Historic Environment Scotland considers Tarlair one of the best examples of a surviving outdoor seaside pool in Scotland.
