Five Scottish swimming pools and lidos to head to this weekend as weather heats up
This weekend is set to bring sizzling temperatures across Scotland. With highs of 30 degrees Celsius predicted in parts of the country, it might be a record-breaking few days of weather.
There comes a point when the heat can get too much and start to become uncomfortable. If there was ever a weekend to go for a swim, this is it.
All over the country, there are indoor pools where Scots can head to cool down. There is also no shortage of picturesque beaches where you can dip your toes in the water.
However, if you are after something a bit different, Scotland is also home to a number of lidos and outdoor swimming pools. These are perfect if you still want to make the most of the good weather while also taking advantage of the fun that swimming pools bring.
To help keep cool, The Daily Record has rounded up five of these outdoor swimming spots around Scotland. From Fife to Wick, you won't be too far from at least one of them.
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool, Stonehaven
The Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool is one of the most popular and renowned outdoor swimming pools in Scotland, and for good reason. Situated in the coastal Aberdeenshire town of Stonehaven, the attraction is the only art deco Olympic-sized seawater lido in the UK.
The pool, which will remain open for the summer until early September, is heated and offers everything from fun sessions with inflatables for families to quiet swims. It even hosts special midnight sessions for those wanting a dip in the water under the stars.
More information can be found on the Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool website.
The Trinkie, Wick
The Trinkie is a natural sea water pool located in Wick that is especially popular amongst swimmers and picnickers when the mercury rises. Its name comes from the Scots word for 'trench', with the pool being created from part of a quarry.
Nested along Scotland's jaw-dropping northern coastline, the waters of The Trinkie are filled from the North Sea. If you are after a more rugged swim that brings you closer to nature, this might be the spot for you.
Gourock Outdoor Pool, Gourock
Now open for the summer season, the Gourock Outdoor Pool is a heated saltwater pool situated in the Inverclyde town of Gourock. Part of Inverclyde Leisure, the pool offers incredible views out over the Clyde Estuary to enjoy as you swim.
The pool, which has been refurbished with modern changing facilities, includes a diving board—while there is also a separate kiddies' pool. Like Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool, Gourock Outdoor Pool also offers 'Starlight Swims' where visitors can enjoy a refreshing night-time dip.
More information can be found on the Inverclyde Leisure website.
New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool, New Cumnock
New Cumnock in Ayrshire is also home to a popular outdoor swimming pool, open seven days a week through the summer season. Situated just a 10-minute walk from the New Cumnock train station, it is Scotland's only public outdoor freshwater heated swimming pool.
New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool offers lane swimming, fitness classes, and private exclusive-use bookings. The pool also features changing rooms and showers.
More information can be found on the New Cumnock Swimming Pool Facebook page.
St Monans Tidal Pool, Fife
Finally, St Monans Tidal Pool is a historic outdoor pool that has been restored by the local community. The pool sits in the shadow of an old windmill that was once used to pump seawater, and is a great place to watch the sun go down.
Unlike some other pools on this roundup, St Monans Tidal Pool is not maintained and so swimmers enter the water at their own risk. However, if you are looking to take a dip on the edge of the sea, it is hard to imagine a more picturesque spot than this.
More information can be found on the Welcome To Fife website.
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