Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool is set to make waves once again after being out of use for five months.
The popular facility closed on November 28 amid a cash crisis sparked by soaring energy bills.
But now the board has appointed a new manager who has pledged to get swimmers back in the water within a fortnight.
Craig Nash started work on Monday after a successful interview last week.
He takes over from interim manager Rick Newman, who will remain in a mentoring role meantime.
Mr Nash, 40, was leisure manager at Auchenlarie and operated the pool there until the pandemic.
He told the News: “We already have the pool up to temperature and I’m keen to get this pool open.
“We can open the doors with the staff we have at the moment.
“Let’s get the doors open and build things up as we go.”
Mr Nash is originally from near Stratford in Warwickshire and moved to Galloway 14 years ago.
He can’t wait to make a splash at Kirkcudbright – with the local sea cadets set to test the water first.
He said: “We have the sea cadets coming down to do their swimming badges next Tuesday just as a trial run for the pool.
“I need to have a meeting with the board and would like to get the pool open within the next two weeks.
“There’s no reason why it can’t be.”
He added: “I met the love of my life in Kirkcudbright, Donna Broll, and I now have a wee daughter and step-son.
“I love the place.”
Mr Nash was due to meet local swimming club members yesterday to advise them on a likely opening date.
The positive news follows a fraught few months during which hundreds of swimmers were left high and dry.
Hopes it could reopen in February were dashed as faults with the boilers and plant room led to delays.
Welcoming Mr Nash’s appointment, Mr Newman said: “I’ll be helping Craig out for a little while until he finds his feet and gets things up and running.
“He managed Auchenlarie pool for a number of years and has worked in and is familiar with our plant room.”
New Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool chairman, local solicitor Neil Cavers, said: “The directors of Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool are delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Nash as manager of the pool. He began work on Monday and we wish him well.
“We hope that he will have the support of everyone in the community as we move towards the re-opening of the pool which is anticipated in the very near future.
“The precise date will be announced shortly.
“Brian Matthews has resigned as pool chairman and we thank him for all the work he has done over the past years – particularly over these past few difficult months.”
Mr Cavers said Friends of Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool directors have been appointed temporarily to serve as additional directors of Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool meantime along with Barbara Matthews and Duncan Gordon.
“After what has been a very turbulent and emotive few months in the pool’s history, we look forward to working together for the benefit of Kirkcudbright’s pool and the people who use and support it.”
