A Decade of Dedication: How Volunteers Rescued Tarlair Lido

The inspiring story of Aberdeenshire’s Tarlair Lido is one of relentless dedication, as a group of volunteers, the “Friends of Tarlair,” spent a decade fighting to restore its magnificent Art Deco pavilion. Their perseverance has paid off, with the £2 million project bringing life back to a site that lay abandoned for 30 years, transforming it into a vibrant community asset.
This tenacious group, formed in 2013 after being denied a voice at a district meeting, secured a 99-year lease and critical funding, defying earlier suggestions to turn the lido into a lobster hatchery or simply leave it to ruin. Their efforts have not only preserved an A-listed property but also reignited a sense of nostalgia and hope for the future of this unique coastal attraction.
With the pavilion now a popular spot for visitors, the focus shifts to the lido’s extensive saltwater pools, which are set to undergo their own significant restoration. The “Friends of Tarlair” continue their work, envisioning a future where the sound of children playing and swimmers diving once again fills this hauntingly beautiful bay, completing the lido’s remarkable journey back to glory.