Coastal Communities Museum
A volunteer led local museum in North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland

Object Of The Month

Welcome to Object of The Month, a new way to enjoy the Coastal Communities Museum when the museum is closed. We will be selecting some of our most interesting objects and artefacts to share.

North Berwick Bathing Pool Sign

© ELCMS

© ELCMS

North Berwick Outdoor Bathing Pool Sign

The first North Berwick Safety Swimming Pond was opened by the Lord Justice General on 16 September 1900, in front of nearly 3000 residents and visitors. Many swimming galas and events were held at the pool and it was a wonderful place to visit for families on holiday. Some of the Galas were held in the evening and attracted big crowds. Over the years the pool was improved, new diving boards were added, along with changing rooms – some were even heated! This wooden ‘bathers only’ sign was originally located at the entrance to the pool.

It was eventually announced that the outdoor pool would close and a local campaign was launched to save it. However, this was not successful and the pool closed on the 26 August 1995. It was a big loss to the community and nothing has replaced it. Its site is now used as a dinghy park for the yacht club and some of the old changing rooms have been converted for storage use.

Photograph of an Aqua Show at North Berwick Outdoor Pool

© ELCMS

© ELCMS

© ELCMS

Photograph showing holidaymakers and classic cars beside North Berwick Outdoor Pool

© Lost Haddington

Advery for North Berwick Outdoor Pool

© Private Collection

 
Postcard of North Berwick showing the outdoor pool
Poster advertising the AquaCabaret at North Berwick Outdoor Pool

© ELCMS

Colour photograph showing divers at North Berwick Outdoor Pool

© Lost Haddington

 
Judith BoothCoastal Communities Museum