A key meeting is set to take place tomorrow to resolve the future of a once-treasured Aberdeen landmark.
Talks will take place between conservationists and council chiefs to progress a plan to refurbish and reopen the Bon Accord Baths in Justice Mill Lane.
It comes as a new picture showed the damage that intruders have caused to the building, which has been daubed in graffiti.
The image also shows that furniture has been smashed up and thrown into the pool.
© Stuart Brooks
Now a councillor is calling on Aberdeen City Council to do more to secure the building.
Torry and Ferryhill councillor Christian Allard said: “As a past regular user of the baths I am very concerned when I look at this photograph.
“Properties that have been left empty and that fall into disrepair are easy targets for vandals.
“It would be good if the council could find the funding to secure the building.”
The 1940s building was Aberdeen’s first purpose-built public swimming pool.
Many thousands of swimmers flocked there for lessons and fun in a 70-year period.
However, a decline in popularity of the baths and council cuts led to it closing in 2008.
In recent years, volunteers from conservation group Bon Accord Heritage have been working with the local authority to restore the pool to its former glory.
Their vision is to turn the baths into a modern health and fitness studio while maintaining the building’s Art Deco style.
The group is set to draw up an outline business plan to demonstrate the renovated facility can make money.
Bon Accord Heritage is set to meet with the council tomorrow to take those plans forward.
Board member Jodie Johnston said: “We are working on a plan to bring the baths back into use and will be able to provide an update after the meeting.
“We are pleased to be working in conjunction with the council.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The safety and security of all our sites is a priority and a number of measures have been put in place to inhibit access to the Bon Accord Baths.
“Where there is a breach, we investigate and work closely with colleagues in Police Scotland to address any issues. We would remind members of the public of the dangers of gaining access to and entering unauthorised areas.”
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