Scotland’s only freshwater open-air swimming pool, at New Cumnock, is set to reopen to the public today (Wednesday) in a delayed start to Ayrshire’s outdoor swimming season.

The popular lido, which welcomed 37,000 visitors from all over the world in its first full season following refurbishment in 2017, has been closed since restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic prevented such facilities operating.

The Prince’s Foundation, which runs the pool, has implemented new measures to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors.

Entry and exit times of swimmers have to remain strict as the time between sessions is used to conduct a thorough clean and sanitisation of facilities.

A one-way system is in place on entry and exit to the building as well as in the building and at poolside. Payment will be by cash until October 12 and thereafter only by card or contactless payment.

Pool staff will be on hand to guide and advise swimmers on other new measures.

The Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Swimming Pool was threatened with closure in 2016 but was rescued by The Prince’s Foundation, the charity founded by HRH The Duke of Rothesay and based in Ayrshire.

The lido-style pool was part of a £4m refurbishment of buildings at the heart of New Cumnock undertaken by The Prince’s Foundation that included the adjacent town hall.

The two facilities host dozens of local groups and give employment to local people.

Local primary school pupils receive five subsidised swimming lessons, courtesy of The Prince’s Foundation, costing the school just £1 per child per lesson. The refurbishment of the iconic pool included a reduction in depth of the pool tank, which saves on the cost of heating water that is maintained at 30C.

Nearby Dumfries House, near Cumnock, is also a popular tourist destination and the headquarters of The Prince’s Foundation, whose chief objective is to create harmonious communities.

The charity aims to achieve this by developing and managing places to visit, running a diverse education curriculum for all ages with particular focus on traditional and heritage skills, and offering employment, most notably at Dumfries House and in London

Its activity spans the world, with education programmes and placemaking initiatives in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Booking your swim is essential and can be completed by calling 01290 333 891.