Swimming in History: Aberdeenshire’s Tarlair Lido Reopens After Decades

A cherished piece of Aberdeenshire’s leisure history, the Tarlair Lido, has officially reopened its Art Deco pavilion, marking a significant milestone after 30 years of closure. This unique coastal attraction, featuring a striking mint-and-cream pavilion and three tidal pools, once served as a premier destination for families and visitors throughout the mid-20th century, hosting everything from swimming championships to rock concerts.
The incredible turnaround is the result of a protracted 12-year campaign by the “Friends of Tarlair,” a dedicated charity formed by local enthusiasts determined to save the decaying site. Their persistent advocacy secured a 99-year lease on the pavilion and essential funding, transforming a desolate ruin into a vibrant community asset.
With the pavilion now welcoming guests, attention is shifting to the pools themselves, which remain a visual spectacle for now. Planning permission for their restoration is expected this summer, promising that the lido’s waters will once again echo with the joyful sounds of swimmers, just as they did in its heyday.