Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes among those to voice delight after Dingwall Swimming Pool finally reopens its doors
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DELIGHT has greeted the reopening of a Ross swimming pool after months of frustration.
Dingwall Swimming Pool had closed its doors last July for maintenance works, with the promise of it reopening just a few weeks later.
But the discovery of asbestos and scale of the work required to repair the facility saw its reopening date slip repeatedly.
It finally reopened its doors this week, to little publicity, but a flood of happy responses from users.
Local MSP Kate Forbes MSP said: “I’m delighted that Dingwall swimming pool is finally back open again. I know that many in Dingwall and the surrounding areas depend on the swimming pool and have been frustrated over the last few months about the closure of the pool.
“I met with the chief executive of Highlife Highland just before Christmas and we discussed the pool. He assured me that it would open soon and I’m pleased that it has.”
Black Isle Youth Development labelled it “fantastic news” – a sentiment shared by many users on the Dingwall Leisure Centre Facebook page.
A spokeswoman for Highland Council explained the need for the prolonged closure of the pool. She said: “Works were due to be complete by end of August, however unforeseen asbestos containing materials (ACM) were identified during the course of the initial works.
“These could not have been identified in the initial survey undertaken. The delay in opening is due to several factors – starting with a further asbestos survey and remedial works required from the results. Once works were able to re-commence these included concrete repairs to the underside of the pool; ventilation repairs; upgrading of the toddler pool/flume area and minor maintenance works.”
Pool users had previously been told it would reopen at the end of August, then October, then the middle of November and finally they were told it would definitely open before Christmas.
“Before the pool could open an industrial deep clean required to be undertaken, and additionally servicing to pool equipment that was switched off for the duration of the works,” the spokeswoman continued.
“This all takes time to organise, and the decision was taken to re-open in the new year, when we were satisfied that we could provide a clean and safe environment for pool users.”
The spokeswoman said a final cost for the works was yet to be confirmed, as it was waiting for the various contractors to submit final invoices.
