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Saltcoats Bathing Pond
In the late 1880s a small outdoor bathing pond was built on the site of the old Saltcoats saltpans. Prior to this the harbour had been the favourite spot for bathers. The bathing pond proved to be a popular venue for swimmers and spectators alike with thousands of visitors heading to the seaside town for their annual holiday or for a day at the seaside.

On 10th June 1933, a new swimming pool was opened on the same site. It was still an outdoor pool and was the largest tidal pool in Scotland at that time. It was regarded state of the art, with changing rooms, showers, a spectator gallery, a tea room and even flood lights for evening bathing.

The Opening
The bathing pond was formally opened by the Lord Provost of Glasgow on Saturday 10th June 1933, with all members of the local council attending. The ribbon was cut to officially open the pond. Admission to the event was 7d and in typical Scottish fashion it was a dull and wet day, but that did not act as a deterrent for the swimming and diving spectaculars that had been planned.

A season ticket for young people cost 2 shillings in the 1930s, and the bathing station soon became a popular meeting place for all ages.

Events
Swimming galas, life saving demonstrations, diving competitions and even polo matches were all popular with both the locals and visitors. The swimming club even held Miss Saltcoats competitions!

For the next 50 years the bathing pond was always busy, particularly during the Glasgow Fair holiday during July. As many as 2,000 visitors would visit the pool on any day during July and August.

Decline
However, it was long apparent that an indoor pool was essential due to the number of people wishing to use it all year round. The opening of the Magnum Leisure Centre in Irvine in 1975 and Auchenharvie's in Stevenston, both of which had indoor pools, saw the use of Saltcoats pool decline dramatically. In 1989 the bathing pond closed and the site redeveloped into a landscape area. Today, there is very little evidence of the once lavish outdoor pool.