Public use of Aviemore swimming pool is back on the agenda
Local Highland councillors are to discuss reinstating access for High Life Highland members at the swimming pool at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
There has been no public swimming facility or lessons for children available in the village since the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020.
Local Highland councillor Russell Jones (Independent) said: “The subject of swimming pool access is being discussed at our ward meeting next Monday when we are to get an update on the position.
“As a new councillor I am looking forward to discussing it and finding out how this has worked in the past and how it can in the future.
“Obviously I am very hopeful that an agreement can be reached as the lack of access to a swimming pool locally is a very poor situation.
“Learning to swim is a life skill that should be accessible to all children as well as the health benefits that regular swimming can provide.”
An interim agreement had been reached between HLH funders Highland Council and Macdonald Hotels and Resorts to make the facilities – including sauna, steam room and jacuzzi – just one month before Covid struck.
Prior to that there had been a stalemate –the latest in yet another of many wrangles over the years for admission to the leisure pool.
The local authority paid the hotel group £205,000 for access for HLH members for the year to November, 2019. Public swimming is available at the Craig MacLean Sports Centre in Grantown as well as swimming lessons for youngsters are to resume.
HLH members can also use other pool facilities across the region and there are private pools in the Aviemore area
The council has not been paying any subsidy to the hotel group whilst swimming is not available to HLH members.
Have you missed swimming in Aviemore and what is the best way forward? Let us know your views at editorial@sbherald.co.uk .
