Anticipation is building around Aberdeenshire’s Tarlair Lido, where the recently reopened Art Deco pavilion signals the imminent return of swimming to its iconic tidal pools. After 30 years of silence, this once-thriving leisure destination is on the cusp of a full renaissance, thanks to a decade-long, £2 million restoration effort.
The remarkable comeback story is deeply rooted in the unwavering commitment of the “Friends of Tarlair,” a volunteer group who refused to see this cherished site fall into further disrepair. Their dedicated campaigning, from clearing overgrown paths to securing vital funding, has transformed a haunting ruin into a vibrant community hub.
While the pavilion is now open and bustling, offering a taste of the lido’s former grandeur, the focus is now firmly on the restoration of the unique saltwater pools. With planning permission for their revival expected this summer, the vision of swimmers joyfully plunging into Tarlair’s historic waters is closer than ever to becoming a reality.