Following the announcement in 2011 that the pool was to be demolished a public meeting was held and a Group formed to raise support and funds to save the pool as it was such an attraction and benefit not only to the local community but also to communities in the surrounding areas and beyond. The New Cumnock pool is one of only three open air swimming pools in Scotland and the only inland heated fresh water open air pool in the country. The fund raising efforts by the New Cumnock Pool Group realised £29,000 and a further donation was received from Dumfries House this week which will enable the pool to continue throughout the summer season.

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Kenneth Dunsmuir, Administrative Director of Dumfries House said: “We are all too aware of how important New Cumnock Swimming Pool is to the local community and we are astonished by the efforts made by the local community to raise the necessary funds to open it up for the summer season. When we heard of the shortfall in funding we were happy to step in and offer £30,000 in support. This additional funding has been possible as a result of support received from players of People’s Postcode Lottery to support local community initiatives relating to sport and leisure, particularly for young people. It is also part of our extensive community regeneration programme for New Cumnock which will get started in the coming months after a long period of consultation and planning.”

On receiving the news of the funding from Dumfries House the Group expressed their joy and delight that the pool could continue to provide a facility to be enjoyed by many. Gette Fulton (Group Secretary) said “I am thrilled that all the hard work of the Group, volunteers and the wider community has been recognised resulting in this wonderful outcome.”

Kenneth Dunsmuir, Administrative Director (Dumfries House) handing over a cheque for £30,000 to Gette Fulton and Mary Harper (New Cumnock Pool Group). Also in the picture Oliver Middlemiss, Estate Manager (Dumfries House).