Wick’s North Baths ready for summer holidays after team effort
Volunteers have been taking part in a major programme of maintenance to ensure Wick’s North Baths are ready for summer.
They joined forces to clean and paint the 120-year-old outdoor pool, while local contractors carried out wall repairs and other heavy work.
All the tasks were completed ahead of the school holidays, allowing swimmers young and old to make the most of the popular facility.
The access road had been blocked on a number of occasions over the winter as a result of stormy conditions in Wick Bay and it was only with the help of volunteers that the route was kept open.
With the annual whitewashing time approaching, it was clear that a lot of work would be needed to ensure the viability of opening the pool up to bathers.
Priority was given to clearing large stones and debris that had accumulated on the floor of the pool, clogging the valve, and repairs to the two large holes in the land wall where huge boulders that had stood the test of time for decades had been dislodged and had fallen in.
Work began on June 10 with support from the Caithness Community Fund (funded by ScottishPower Renewables’ Halsary wind farm), Wick Development Trust and Tesco Stronger Starts, as well as donations from the community through fundraising activities.
Contracts were awarded to JLS Formwork, run by John Stewart, for the repair to the wall, and to GMR Henderson for the removal of debris.
Patty Coghill, chairperson of the Friends of the North Baths committee, explained: “John measured and planned the work which would require the erection of shuttering inside the pool and the pouring of concrete down through the top of the wall to stabilise the structure.
“This was no easy job and it threw up quite a few serious challenges. The window of opportunity to work on the project was at times short, due to the tides, some of which were particularly high, the Caithness weather and the availability of resources.
“We’re sure that at times John wished he had never heard of the North Baths! But he worked all hours and was determined to see his plans succeed.
“On days when John couldn’t progress the job, he turned his hand to whatever needed doing. He took brush in hand to help with the power washing and the painting while his unique personality kept the team entertained.
“We are delighted to say that this phase of the work on the pool has now been completed and on Saturday [June 29] John was given the honour of closing the valve which will allow the pool to fill with the next tides and be ready for summer bathers of all ages to enjoy, and just in time for the school holidays.
“The Friends of the North Baths would like to thank Seaview guest house for allowing us to fill the water butts for power washing, John Stewart of JLS Formwork, Simpsons, Wick Paths Group, Davie Smith of Town and Country Groundworks, Wick Harbour Authority, volunteers and members of the community for their support.”
The North Baths opened in 1904 at a location formerly known as Blackrock harbour.
The revival of swimming at the North Baths was celebrated at a fun day in 2021 after the pool had been cleaned out and whitewashed thanks to local businesses and a team of helpers.
