Just a mile east of Macduff, Aberdeenshire, a long-lost architectural gem has been rediscovered and brought back to life: the Art Deco pavilion of Tarlair Lido. After three decades of abandonment, this stunning mint-and-cream structure, a unique example of its kind in Scotland, has reopened its doors, offering visitors a glimpse into its glamorous past and a renewed sense of purpose.
The journey to this moment was a monumental undertaking, spearheaded by the “Friends of Tarlair,” a group of dedicated volunteers who championed the lido’s preservation against formidable odds. Their tireless work, which included securing a 99-year lease and millions in funding, has transformed a desolate landscape into a beacon of community pride.
While the pavilion now offers a charming space for reflection and enjoyment, the true heart of Tarlair – its vast, tidal-fed pools – awaits its turn for a similar transformation. Plans for their restoration are moving forward, promising that this “panoramic portal to another time” will soon welcome swimmers back to its historic waters, recreating the vibrant scenes of its mid-century heyday.
