Lookback: 50 years since Inverurie Pool opened to the public
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The weekend of May 23, 1970 marked the cumulation of several years of fundraising by the community in and around Inverurie as the public pool opened its doors for the first time.
In that weeks Advertiser is was reported:
"Inverurie got into the swim at the weekend with the opening of the school and community swimming pool.
"The Earl of Haddo, newly appointed convenor of Aberdeenshire Education Committee forecast that 1970 could yet prove "a golden year" for the burgh.
"He said that things were beginning to happen on the industrial front and he thought Inverurie could swim into the future with renewed confidence.
"Lord Hado told a large company of invited guests at the opening ceremony held at Inverurie Academy Hall on Saturday.
"In Scotland there are still not nearly enough people who can swim.
In declaring the £63,000 pool officially open, Provost Alex McNab commented: "It has been suggested that Dr Dixon and myself should dive in and swim a length at the opening."
He congratulated Inverurie Swimming Pool Trust under chairman Dr Geoffery Gill on raising more than £15,000 of which Inverurie Academy pupils had contributed £4000.
Reverend James M Davidson, St Andrew's Church dedicated the swimming pool.
On the Sunday morning the pool was opened for the first time and there was already youngsters waiting an hour before it opened its doors.
Closing at 6pm, some 100 adults and 525 youngsters had used the facility.
Prior to the lockdown, the pool was in the process of being taken out of service as the Academy prepared to move to the new Community Campus which includes a brand new pool for the town in the week before the Easter holidays.
However this has been called to a halt.
A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council commented: “Whilst we remain in lock down, we are not in a position to confirm when construction works at Inverurie Community Campus will recommence, or when the facilities will be completed and handed over.
“The contractor has provided an indicative programme for the completion of the outstanding construction and other work required.
"However, that programme will need to be reviewed when restrictions are eased and requirements are fully understood.
"Further clarity on revised dates will be communicated in due course.”
