AS temperatures heat up many Scots will be looking for a scenic place to cool off over the summer.
Thankfully, the country boasts a number of outdoor swimming pools ranging from heated seawater lidos to tidal lagoons.
Here’s some of the best outdoor swimming pools to visit in Scotland this summer.
Gourock Pool, Inverclyde
This heated, saltwater pool is officially open for the summer months.
With changing facilities, diving boards and even a kids pool, Gourock offers swimmers of all abilities the chance to take a dip outside.
Lifeguards are on duty and the pool even offers “Starlit Swims” which see swimmers take to the lanes between 10pm and midnight so they can gaze at the stars on clear nights.
A timetable for the pool is available here.
St Monans tidal pool, Fife
Lucky swimmers may be greeted to a visit from a seal or catch sight of a pod of dolphins from the comfort of this tidal pool on the Fife coast.
In 2021, the pool was cleared of dangerous hazards by a group of locals and now boasts a thriving swimming community.
While the man-made wall holds back the outgoing tide to leave enough water to swim in, it may also result in swimmers sharing the lanes with a crab or two.
However, it is not officially maintained and visitors are therefore warned that they swim at their own risk.
Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Aberdeenshire
Stonehaven Open Air Pool is the UK’s only art deco Olympic-sized seawater lido.
Live music, inflatables, aqua Zumba and even a chute are part of the venue’s summertime offering – although those looking for a more low-key swim are also welcomed earlier in the day.
Stonehaven also offers moonlit swims on Wednesdays between 10pm and midnight.
Following major renovations the Aberdeenshire pool opens a bit later this year on June 10, with full opening times available here.
Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Pool, East Ayrshire
Since being refurbished in 2017 this heated pool in East Ayrshire has served the local community as well as visitors from further afield.
Part of the Dumfries House Trust it offers swimming lessons and can even hired out for private events.
An adult swim costs just £3.50 and a full timetable can be viewed here.
Gateway Swimming Pool, Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jupiter Artland – a sculpture park and gallery on the outskirts of Edinburgh – artist Joana Vasconcelos integrated a fully functioning swimming pool into the landscaped garden of the property.
Made up of 11,366 hand-painted tiles, manufactured using traditional methods in Vasconcelos's native Portugal, the final product is a work of art as well as a leisure facility.
It is now open for both public and private swims, with visitors able to a book a slot on the Jupiter Artland website for £15 per session.
The Trinkie Tidal Pool, Wick
This tidal pool on the outskirts of Wick in Caithness is currently undergoing renovations to get the pool ready for summer.
The Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group has enlisted the help of locals to powerwash the pool and remove any debris.
Having been given a new lease of life it should be ready to welcome visitors in the coming months. Keep an eye on the Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group Facebook page for updates.
