For generations it was the Angus magnet that pulled thousands across the country during the Glasgow Fair.
And Arbroath is on a mission to make itself one of Scotland’s seaside hotspots again.
Tourism leaders have revealed major plans to build a sea pool as part of a drive to bring visitors flooding back.
Visit Angus say the area is already enjoying a dramatic increase in tourist interest through initiatives such as the Angus Tour.
It was launched last year to help visitors plan their stay.
Sea pool project
Sea pools are part of an open water swimming craze that has boomed during Covid.
The Arbroath one will be built at Inchcape Park beach.
It is a prime location on the blue flag beach beside the town harbour and Signal Tower museum.
The pool will be filled by the tide twice a day, allowing swimming at any time.
Open water swimmer Claire Pullar and former deep sea welding diver Kevin Smith are leading the project.
Kevin said: “The Arbroath Sea Pool Project (ASPP) aims to complement Angus’ already vast appeal.
“One of our main focuses is safety and giving more vulnerable people and children access to cold water thrills but in a safer environment, with a shallow end and soft sand.”
Funding is now being pursued through lotteries, Angus Council, grants and donations.
It is hoped construction will start in 2024.
More adventurous visitors are already taking to the water for spectacular kayak tours of Arbroath’s sandstone cliffs.
Kevin Smith’s son, Cameron, takes visitors from as far afield as Manchester and Liverpool into the incredible sea caves.
Cameron said: “Arbroath has it all when it comes to adventure and demonstrates the very best of Scottish landscapes and scenery, making it the ultimate holiday destination.
“We’re a county of thrill seekers that enjoy watersports, hiking and cold-water swimming, all of which can be found here.”
Arbroath’s historic open air pool and travelling carnivals hosted hordes of central belt visitors on their summer holidays between the 1930s and 1960s.
They included glamorous grannies, cute kiddies and would-be beauty queens vying for the weekly Miss Arbroath sash.
And they flocked to caravan parks like the Red Lion, which remains popular today.
Scottish comedy legend Billy Connolly even revealed how he lost his virginity in a tent in the Angus town.
Arbroath’s popularity meant bumper passenger numbers for the famous family-run Kerr’s miniature railway.
It reached the end of the line in 2020 due to dwindling passenger numbers.
As the trend for holidaying abroad took off in the 1960s and ’70s, the lure of Arbroath and other seaside towns declined.
However, travel uncertainty is at a high due to increased airport delays and flight cancellations.
It has put the spotlight back on staycations and the push for visitors through initiatives like the Angus Tour.
Tourism sector’s Covid recovery
The council’s communities convenor, Mark McDonald, said: “Angus Council continues to support the tourism and hospitality sector through its economic recovery.
“We are delighted to see new open water swimming opportunities being developed to support the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.
“The Angus Tour shines a light on Arbroath, and Angus, as a holiday destination that is accessible to all visitors.”
Caroline Warburton of Visit Scotland added: “The development of new tourism experiences in recent years such as the Arbroath smokie trail, West Links fun park and upcoming sea pool development all strengthen this appeal, putting Arbroath firmly back on the map for visitors.
“From outdoor adventures to history and culture and food and drink, the best of Scotland is right here on our doorstep.”
Conversation