September 7 2021

Studio Octopi, in partnership with Heritage Architecture, has been appointed by the Friends of Tarlair Community Group to undertake a full restoration of Tarlair Outdoor Pool in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, following an invited tender.

The A-listed Art Deco structure will undergo a further two phases of work after the structure of the toddler pool, boating pool and terraces were secured in 2015. Phase 2 will see the historic pool reopen for the first time since the 1990s with the inclusion of a tea room, social space, workshop and toilets followed by restoration of the swimming pool closest to the sea at a later date.

Studio Octopi director Chris Romer-Lee said: "We’re thrilled to have won this invited tender not only because of the architectural significance of this Category A structure but because this marks a significant step forward for the local community in bringing back into use this historic asset."

Kirsten McKnight, associate director of Heritage Architecture added: “The category A listed Art Deco tidal pool is a unique example of a little-altered 1930s outdoor pool complex. Having had no active use since the 1990s it is on the Building at Risk Register so it is a privilege to be working with the Friends of Tarlair Community Group and Aberdeenshire Council to conserve the Pavilion and realise the next phase of the project to get the site back into active use.”

Planning and listed building consent will be sought in November with construction commencing in 2022, subject to full funding of just under £1.3m. The design team is rounded out by David Narro Associates, KJ Tait and W.I Talbot.

5 Comments

#1 Posted by tiptoe on 9 Sep 2021 at 12:25 PM

last time i was at Tarlair was in 1994 when the pools were drained for a 2 day music festival with Runrig and Wet,Wet Wet headlining (Jethro Tull and Fish in previous years). No wonder the place went to ruin. Great to see a number of these fantastic old pools being preserved so that the youth of today can experience turning blue from the cold waters of the North Sea.

#2 Posted by HellyHansen on 10 Sep 2021 at 10:03 AM

Surely there was no need to drain the pool to accommodate Fish and Wet Wet Wet?

#3 Posted by Paul on 10 Sep 2021 at 11:09 AM

Superb, #2

#4 Posted by Moira Whyte on 18 Aug 2023 at 23:21 PM

Has the Tarlair Lido reopened?

#5 Posted by Auld enough to know better on 19 Aug 2023 at 17:33 PM

#4 love your tomb raiding style - more power to the people.
If only architects on here would be more honest.
aye would go ahead but unaffordable in today's climate.
or ever..

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