Wild Swimming

[Wildfisher]

It's trendy, it's woke, but it's nothing new.

The first photo is at The Ness at the Vicky Park in Arbroath yesterday. The old ruined walkway was erected in 1912 by the Arbroath Health Congress. It provided safe access to a natural pool suitable for sea swimming adjacent to steeple rock in the days before Public Baths. The second photo shows the good citizens of The Toon oot for a dook in 1914.  You will note the lack of fat people. All good stuff!

[Bobfly]

These always look very serious in these old photos! Interestingly, up to a quarter of potential army recruits in 1914 were rejected due to their malnutrition. Not that those folk look like that, but folks from city slums and similar were often rejected.

[Inchlaggan]

No many wimmin either.

[Wildfisher]

No many wimmin either.

aye they are a' at hame maakin' the tea.

As it should be! 

[Fishtales]

That'll be the Miners annual wash day

[Wildfisher]

The map shows the location of this at Steeple Rock. Apparently these sea pools are a rising fashion and there is talk of a new one at Arbroath. Should be encouraged IMO - might help keep the wild swimming hordes away from the rivers and lochs!

[Fishtales]

There are quite a few up that East coastline, some needing repaired and some still intact.

[Bobfly]

There is a well made old tidal pool arrangement at St Andrews.
My daughter in law is one of the Blue Tits who swim about near Edinburgh, mostly around Portobello and Musselburgh.
I guess they don't take water samples for analysis!!!

[Wildfisher]

I got this old newspaper cutting from George Park in Arbroath. George is a contemporary of mine and a bit of a local history expert. It gives some details on the rise and fall of the sea pool. Interesting. Back in the day I used to swim at Lunan Bay so I guess that made me a "Sand Louper"