We had around ten thousand visitors over the summer
The People's Friend|August 27, 2022
David Thomson and the West Braes Project made a splash by restoring Pittenweem Tidal Pool. Dawn Geddes finds out more.
Dawn Geddes
We had around ten thousand visitors over the summer

WILD swimming may be currently en vogue, but the concept of wading through Britain's chilly waters is definitely not new. One way that we can enjoy this exhilarating activity in a safe way is by practising our lengths in one of the UK's tidal pools, which protect swimmers from being swept away by strong currents.

One of these stunning coastline structures is Pittenweem Tidal Pool, which fell into disrepair in the 1980s.

But now, thanks to a huge community effort, the Scottish sea pool has been rejuvenated and is once again fit for purpose.

David Thomson, the chairman of West Braes Project, the community charity which co-ordinated the refurbishment, tells me that Pittenweem's pool dates to the Victorian era.

"The pool goes back to the 1890s, when it was called Pittenweem Bathing Station.

"But then, in the early Eighties, the council were looking at funding issues and decided that things like tidal pools weren't a necessity, so it fell into disrepair.

"Over time it got more and more damaged. Me and a mate of mine used to go down to the pool and take the seaweed off the side and remove things like boulders and old iron from the bottom.

"Every year we could see that the stonework was getting worse, and we thought this is going to get to a stage soon when the back wall is going to go, and it won't even hold water any more.

Denne historien er fra August 27, 2022-utgaven av The People's Friend.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 27, 2022-utgaven av The People's Friend.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE PEOPLE'S FRIENDSe alt
It captured everyone's imagination
The People's Friend

It captured everyone's imagination

A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 25, 2023
The UK has amazing marine life
The People's Friend

The UK has amazing marine life

Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 25, 2023
It's About Time
The People's Friend

It's About Time

Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
A Breath Of Country Air
The People's Friend

A Breath Of Country Air

Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 25, 2023
A Test Of Courage
The People's Friend

A Test Of Courage

Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 25, 2023
We Work Together
The People's Friend

We Work Together

Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
The Art Of Laughter
The People's Friend

The Art Of Laughter

Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 25, 2023
Life After Linda
The People's Friend

Life After Linda

It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...

time-read
7 mins  |
February 25, 2023
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
The People's Friend

ES! There in the corner are the speakers

In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...

time-read
2 mins  |
February 25, 2023
Lovely Glen Lochay
The People's Friend

Lovely Glen Lochay

Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.

time-read
6 mins  |
February 25, 2023