The seasonal countdown has begun to the opening of Stonehaven’s outdoor swimming pool next weekend.
One of north-east Scotland’s great summertime attractions, it is the UK’s only heated seawater, Olympic-size open-air pool.
It is set within an art deco listed building.
The bath’s filtered water is heated to 29C, and has drawn people of all ages over the generations since it opened in 1934.
Among the most popular events are the high season midnight swims.
This year the Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool, the charity that manages the pool, are offering local businesses the chance to support them by sponsoring either a week or midnight swim.
Funds raised will be used to buy additional poolside furniture and other new equipment for the four-star visitor attraction.
Local residents formed the Friends group to ensure the future of the pool when it was threatened with closure in the 1990s.
They work in close partnership with Aberdeenshire Council to ensure the maintenance, running and promotion of the pool.
Friends’ vice-chairman David Culshaw said: “Sponsorship opportunities start at just £200 for a week early or late season and rise to £400 in high season, and we are delighted that two award-winning local businesses have already signed up the Bay Fish & Chips and Charles McHardy butchers.”
Anyone interested in sponsorship can contact the friends via stonehaven@openairpool.co.uk, or call Elma McMenemy, who is co-ordinating sponsorship, on 01569 750700.
Previous fundraising secured new, more user-friendly pool locker systems.
The Friends are hoping for good weather for the season’s opening on May 30, but promise a day of music and fun at the pool whatever the weather.