The once-fading glory of Tarlair Lido, a cherished Art Deco icon on the Aberdeenshire coast, has been magnificently rekindled with the reopening of its pavilion. This remarkable comeback, after 30 years of abandonment and a £2 million restoration, offers a stunning visual spectacle and a poignant reminder of a vibrant past.
The driving force behind this impressive revival is the “Friends of Tarlair,” a dedicated volunteer group whose 12-year campaign has been nothing short of heroic. Their commitment ensured that this A-listed property, designed by John C Miller in 1929, avoided a bleak future and instead now stands as a beacon of architectural and historical significance.
While the pavilion is now a bustling hub, the lido’s unique tidal pools, which once hosted crowds for concerts by bands like Jethro Tull and Wet Wet Wet, are slated for their own comprehensive restoration. The community eagerly awaits the day when these waters, “as if they grew from the rock,” will once again be open for swimmers, completing Tarlair’s full return to its former splendor.