Guests from age nine to nearly 99 gathered at Bucksburn Swimming Pool on Monday, June 29, to mark the official reopening of the much-loved community facility.
Representatives from Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council, local schools, community groups and residents gathered at the pool to mark the occasion, with Olympian Hannah Miley officially cutting the ribbon.
Bucksburn Pool welcomed the first swimmers back through its doors earlier this month following a year-long refurbishment programme. The opening ceremony recognised the major renovations to transform the facility into a modern, accessible and more energy-efficient community swimming pool. Features include upgraded changing facilities, new spectator seating, improved lighting, refreshed pool hall finishes and significant investment in plant equipment to support the building's long-term sustainability.
The project was delivered by Morrison Construction on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and venue operator Sport Aberdeen.
P4 pupils from Brimmond Primary enjoyed an afternoon swim session as part of the official reopening event
Tony Dawson, Chairman, Sport Aberdeen, said: “It was a real pleasure to celebrate the reopening of a facility that means so much to so many people.
“We are delighted with the renovations to transform the building into a modern, welcoming, accessible and more energy-efficient facility.
“I’d like to thank Aberdeen City Council for its continued support and investment, Morrison Construction for delivering the refurbishment, my colleagues across Sport Aberdeen who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and everyone in the local community who has supported this project.”
The project also saw local secondary school pupils contribute artwork which is now displayed in the building’s reception area.
Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see Bucksburn Swimming Pool reopened and once again serving the local community.
“Projects like this are about more than just buildings – they’re about providing opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, learn new skills and come together. This vital and essential investment has transformed the pool into a modern and fully accessible facility that will support health and wellbeing for years to come.”
Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official reopening of Bucksburn Swimming Pool are (l-r) Sport Aberdeen Chairman Tony Dawson, Cllr Martin Greig, Mrs Helga Shields, Hannah Miley, Cllr Alex McLellan and Sport Aberdeen Interim CEO Graeme Dale
Among those attending the reopening was local resident Mrs Shields, affectionately known as Bucksburn’s ‘Super Gran’. At 98 years old and having lived across from the pool for many years, she has been eagerly waiting for the doors to reopen.
The event also saw young swimmers from Brimmond School take to the water for a specially organised session with the P4 class, who received commemorative t-shirts and swim caps.
Hannah Miley, three-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth champion, said: “It’s really special to have been a part of such a positive day for the Bucksburn community.
“Swimming pools create some of our best memories, whether that’s a child’s first lesson or pursuing swimming at a competitive level.
“As a former competitive swimmer and a local Mum, I know how much facilities like this mean to families and it’s wonderful to see the pool welcoming people of all ages back through its doors again.”
As a registered charity, Sport Aberdeen manages sport and physical activity services on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and reinvests every penny generated back into facilities, programmes and initiatives that support health, wellbeing and inclusion across the city.
For more information visit www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/timetables