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Architecture in detail: pools and baths
02/08/2016
This gallery highlighting swimming pools and public baths is the fifth in a series to celebrate the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in 2016 and showcases architectural details from the collections of Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The National Record of the Historic Environment at HES includes a wealth of material illustrating swimming pools and public baths across Scotland, many of which have since been demolished or altered, including historic prints and drawings as well as modern survey photographs and aerial views.
The collections can be consulted in our Search Room and through our online resources. This includes Canmore where new images and information are added every day through ongoing surveys of Scotland's built heritage, as well as through an active digitisation programme of negatives, prints and drawings.
SC 371252
Aberdeen, Justice Mill Lane, Bon Accord Baths, interior. View of Pool area from diving board at South end.
© RCAHMS
SC 583586
Edinburgh, Portobello, Portobello open-air swimming pool. View of snack bar block, from South West.
© RCAHMS
SC 681729
Interior view of the pool area showing trapeze and rings over pool, and changing rooms at side of pool in the Public Baths and Gymnasium, Primrose Street, Alloa.
© Courtesy of HES (Bedford Lemere and Company Collection)
SC 683137
General view of Public Baths at junction of Primrose Street and Primrose Place, Alloa.
© Courtesy of HES (Bedford Lemere and Company Collection)
SC 868552
East and West Elevations of public baths, Infirmary Street, Edinburgh. Sheet 6 of a set of 16 drawings. The black scale at the top is in inches.
© Courtesy of HES (City of Edinburgh Council Architectural Drawings and Photographs)
SC 883764
Interior sketch of the Dollan Baths, East Kilbride.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Alexander Buchanan Campbell and Partners, architects, Glasgow, Scotland)
DP 004616
View of Dollan Aqua Centre, East Kilbride. The building's shape reflects the curve of the hill it stands on.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Alexander Buchanan Campbell and Partners, architects, Glasgow, Scotland)
SC 977401
Kilsyth Academy. Photographic view of swimming pool. Labelled: 'Kilsyth School Swimming Pool'.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Spence, Glover and Ferguson, architects, Edinburgh, Scotland)
DP 015890
Interior view of main pool, Infirmary Street baths, Edinburgh. This is now the Dovecot Studios.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 019374
Oblique aerial view centred on Portsoy swimming pool, taken from the NE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036910
Interior view of pool area from N, Warrender Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036911
Interior view of changing cubicles and steps into pool, Warrender Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036928
Interior view of pool from viewing gallery, Warrender Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 037115
Interior view of the Turkish baths, showing tepidarium from above showing plunge pool, Portobello Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039205
Sketch design for a bathing pool at a tourist centre, drawn by John H Donald whilst a student at Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen in 1937.
© RCAHMS
DP 039302
Interior view of swimming pool and detail of sign showing water depth 2'9", IQRA Academy, Glasgow.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039304
Interior view of swimming pool and detail of warning sign for deep water, IQRA Academy, Glasgow.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039352
Interior view of pool area from balcony to NE, Victoria Public Baths, Leith, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039356
Interior view of pool area showing roof structure, Victoria Public Baths, Leith, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039374
Interior view of pool area showing stair and spectators gallery, Victoria Public Baths, Leith, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039385
Detail of 'Baths' sign outside main entrance to Victoria public baths on Junction Place, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 040662
Elevated view from NE entrance taken from ESE, Gourock open air swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 040664
View of pool and part of terraced seating from SW, Gourock open air swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 040669
Inverclyde, Gourock. Detail of diving platform at open-air swimming pool, viewed from the East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041522
Interior view of main pool area showing roof structure, Glenogle Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041523
Interior view of main pool area showing roof structure with detail of spandrel bracket, Glenogle Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041538
Interior view of main pool area showing detail of pool steps and brass handrail, Glenogle Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041859
General oblique aerial view centred on the N part of North Berwick, taken from the S, showing the harbour and open air swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042589
Oblique aerial view centred on the swimming pool, St Monans,taken from the WSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042593
Oblique aerial view centred on the swimming pool, Pittenweem,taken from the WNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 045895
View of tea pavilion with balcony at Tarlair Swimming Pool, Macduff, from N.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 045897
View showing children's/boating pond and tea pavilion from NNE, Tarlair Swimming Pool, Macduff.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 045902
View looking over the three polls to the sea from the S, Tarlair Swimming Pool, Macduff
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 046159
Interior view of ground floor pool showing detail of access ladder in SE corner, Skibo Castle.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 048248
Oblique aerial view of North Berwick harbour and pool.
© Copyright: HES (Aerofilms Collection)
DP 048625
Oblique aerial view centred on the open air swimming pool, Stonehaven, with the Leisure Centre adjacent, taken from the E.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050687
View of SW (principal) elevation of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh, taken from W
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050970
Interior view of swimming pool, Fettes College, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (The Fettes Album)
DP 057690
Interior view of main hall, Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh. This was previously the Infirmary Public Baths.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 058167
View of the Infirmary Public Baths, Edinburgh, E and Centre sections, from NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 060732
Interior view of Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh. Elevated view from spectator seating bank, looking NW across competition pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 060737
Interior view of Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh. Elevated view from spectator seating bank looking NW along rear wall of main pool hall towards diving platforms.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 061977
Interior view of Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh. View of main diving platforms with lower springboards to left and right.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 061979
Interior view looking up to main diving platforms and spiral access stair at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 065325
Oblique aerial view centred on Tarlair outdoor swimming pool in Macduff. Taken from the NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077732
Detail of broken pediment and coat of arms on pool hall of Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077738
Interior view of the entrance door to the female bath salon, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077752
Interior view looking along the length of the pool hall, taken from south east, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077753
Interior view looking along the changing cubicles on the side balcony of the pool hall, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077772
Interior view looking up at the balcony railings and changing cubicles from poolside, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077826
Drawing showing detail of mens plunge baths, Infirmary Street Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (City of Edinburgh Council Architectural Drawings and Photographs)
DP 077845
Drawing showing floor and roof plan with proposed additional plunge bath in mens gymnasium, Infirmary Street Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (City of Edinburgh Council Architectural Drawings and Photographs)
DP 081831
Interior view of pool from E, George Watson's College gymnasium, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 081878
Detail of main entrance to pool, George Watson's College gymnasium, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1219253
Detail of electric lamp by entrance, Portobello open-air swimming pool, Edinburgh.
© RCAHMS
SC 1229182
View of swimming pool building, showing carved coat of arms of Daniel Stewart's and Melville College, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA), Edinburgh Regional Archive)
DP 098679
View of swimming pool and boundary wall within the grounds of Argaty House
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 101528
View of entrance at street level to Bathing Place, Skeoch Wood, Rothesay, Bute, from SW
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 104571
Edinburgh, Murrayfield Ice Rink and Sports Stadium. Elevations, plans and sections of swimming bath and gymnasium. Titled: 'Swimming Bath And Gymnasium'.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Dunn and Findlay, architects, Edinburgh, Scotland)
SC 1257971
Saltcoats, general view, showing Winton Circus and Bathing Pools. Oblique aerial photograph taken facing north.
© Copyright: HES (Aerofilms Collection)
DP 111023
Interior view of swimming pool, Gilmore House, James Gillespie's High School, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1266221
Interior view of swimming pool from N, Dr Bell's Drama Centre, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1269318
Step Rock Bathing Pool and Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews. Oblique aerial photograph taken facing west.
© Copyright: HES (Aerofilms Collection)
DP 142080
View of front elevation of Whitevale Public Baths, Glasgow, from north west.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 142091
Detail of carved panel reading 'Whitevale Baths', Whitevale Public Baths, Glasgow.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 155704
Interior view looking west across the extension to the swimming pool hall, Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 155716
Interior view looking north from the pool extension back to the original swimming pool hall, Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 155719
Interior view looking south within the swimming pool hall, with upper level dance studio to top right, Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157609
Interior view of children's swimming pool, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157617
Interior view looking across the training pool hall, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157626
Interior view looking along the main pool hall from poolside, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157630
Detail of lazy river within main pool, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157662
Interior view of diving pool from spectator seating area opposite, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157727
Exterior view of mural on west elevation of the Olympia swimming pool and leisure centre, Dundee, taken from the west.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 166279
View of main entrance to swimming pool including mural, Provost's Pool, Stirling, taken from north west.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 166299
Square-on view of southern half of Charles Anderson mural, including ranging pole, Provost's Pool, Stirling.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 371252
Aberdeen, Justice Mill Lane, Bon Accord Baths, interior. View of Pool area from diving board at South end.
© RCAHMS
SC 583586
Edinburgh, Portobello, Portobello open-air swimming pool. View of snack bar block, from South West.
© RCAHMS
SC 681729
Interior view of the pool area showing trapeze and rings over pool, and changing rooms at side of pool in the Public Baths and Gymnasium, Primrose Street, Alloa.
© Courtesy of HES (Bedford Lemere and Company Collection)
SC 683137
General view of Public Baths at junction of Primrose Street and Primrose Place, Alloa.
© Courtesy of HES (Bedford Lemere and Company Collection)
SC 868552
East and West Elevations of public baths, Infirmary Street, Edinburgh. Sheet 6 of a set of 16 drawings. The black scale at the top is in inches.
© Courtesy of HES (City of Edinburgh Council Architectural Drawings and Photographs)
SC 883764
Interior sketch of the Dollan Baths, East Kilbride.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Alexander Buchanan Campbell and Partners, architects, Glasgow, Scotland)
DP 004616
View of Dollan Aqua Centre, East Kilbride. The building's shape reflects the curve of the hill it stands on.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Alexander Buchanan Campbell and Partners, architects, Glasgow, Scotland)
SC 977401
Kilsyth Academy. Photographic view of swimming pool. Labelled: 'Kilsyth School Swimming Pool'.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Spence, Glover and Ferguson, architects, Edinburgh, Scotland)
DP 015890
Interior view of main pool, Infirmary Street baths, Edinburgh. This is now the Dovecot Studios.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 019374
Oblique aerial view centred on Portsoy swimming pool, taken from the NE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036910
Interior view of pool area from N, Warrender Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036911
Interior view of changing cubicles and steps into pool, Warrender Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036928
Interior view of pool from viewing gallery, Warrender Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 037115
Interior view of the Turkish baths, showing tepidarium from above showing plunge pool, Portobello Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039205
Sketch design for a bathing pool at a tourist centre, drawn by John H Donald whilst a student at Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen in 1937.
© RCAHMS
DP 039302
Interior view of swimming pool and detail of sign showing water depth 2'9", IQRA Academy, Glasgow.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039304
Interior view of swimming pool and detail of warning sign for deep water, IQRA Academy, Glasgow.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039352
Interior view of pool area from balcony to NE, Victoria Public Baths, Leith, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039356
Interior view of pool area showing roof structure, Victoria Public Baths, Leith, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039374
Interior view of pool area showing stair and spectators gallery, Victoria Public Baths, Leith, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 039385
Detail of 'Baths' sign outside main entrance to Victoria public baths on Junction Place, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 040662
Elevated view from NE entrance taken from ESE, Gourock open air swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 040664
View of pool and part of terraced seating from SW, Gourock open air swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 040669
Inverclyde, Gourock. Detail of diving platform at open-air swimming pool, viewed from the East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041522
Interior view of main pool area showing roof structure, Glenogle Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041523
Interior view of main pool area showing roof structure with detail of spandrel bracket, Glenogle Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041538
Interior view of main pool area showing detail of pool steps and brass handrail, Glenogle Baths, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041859
General oblique aerial view centred on the N part of North Berwick, taken from the S, showing the harbour and open air swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042589
Oblique aerial view centred on the swimming pool, St Monans,taken from the WSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042593
Oblique aerial view centred on the swimming pool, Pittenweem,taken from the WNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 045895
View of tea pavilion with balcony at Tarlair Swimming Pool, Macduff, from N.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 045897
View showing children's/boating pond and tea pavilion from NNE, Tarlair Swimming Pool, Macduff.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 045902
View looking over the three polls to the sea from the S, Tarlair Swimming Pool, Macduff
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 046159
Interior view of ground floor pool showing detail of access ladder in SE corner, Skibo Castle.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 048248
Oblique aerial view of North Berwick harbour and pool.
© Copyright: HES (Aerofilms Collection)
DP 048625
Oblique aerial view centred on the open air swimming pool, Stonehaven, with the Leisure Centre adjacent, taken from the E.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050687
View of SW (principal) elevation of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh, taken from W
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050970
Interior view of swimming pool, Fettes College, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (The Fettes Album)
DP 057690
Interior view of main hall, Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh. This was previously the Infirmary Public Baths.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 058167
View of the Infirmary Public Baths, Edinburgh, E and Centre sections, from NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 060732
Interior view of Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh. Elevated view from spectator seating bank, looking NW across competition pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 060737
Interior view of Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh. Elevated view from spectator seating bank looking NW along rear wall of main pool hall towards diving platforms.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 061977
Interior view of Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh. View of main diving platforms with lower springboards to left and right.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 061979
Interior view looking up to main diving platforms and spiral access stair at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 065325
Oblique aerial view centred on Tarlair outdoor swimming pool in Macduff. Taken from the NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077732
Detail of broken pediment and coat of arms on pool hall of Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077738
Interior view of the entrance door to the female bath salon, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077752
Interior view looking along the length of the pool hall, taken from south east, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077753
Interior view looking along the changing cubicles on the side balcony of the pool hall, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077772
Interior view looking up at the balcony railings and changing cubicles from poolside, Clydebank public baths and swimming pool.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 077826
Drawing showing detail of mens plunge baths, Infirmary Street Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (City of Edinburgh Council Architectural Drawings and Photographs)
DP 077845
Drawing showing floor and roof plan with proposed additional plunge bath in mens gymnasium, Infirmary Street Public Baths, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (City of Edinburgh Council Architectural Drawings and Photographs)
DP 081831
Interior view of pool from E, George Watson's College gymnasium, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 081878
Detail of main entrance to pool, George Watson's College gymnasium, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1219253
Detail of electric lamp by entrance, Portobello open-air swimming pool, Edinburgh.
© RCAHMS
SC 1229182
View of swimming pool building, showing carved coat of arms of Daniel Stewart's and Melville College, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA), Edinburgh Regional Archive)
DP 098679
View of swimming pool and boundary wall within the grounds of Argaty House
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 101528
View of entrance at street level to Bathing Place, Skeoch Wood, Rothesay, Bute, from SW
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 104571
Edinburgh, Murrayfield Ice Rink and Sports Stadium. Elevations, plans and sections of swimming bath and gymnasium. Titled: 'Swimming Bath And Gymnasium'.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of Dunn and Findlay, architects, Edinburgh, Scotland)
SC 1257971
Saltcoats, general view, showing Winton Circus and Bathing Pools. Oblique aerial photograph taken facing north.
© Copyright: HES (Aerofilms Collection)
DP 111023
Interior view of swimming pool, Gilmore House, James Gillespie's High School, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1266221
Interior view of swimming pool from N, Dr Bell's Drama Centre, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1269318
Step Rock Bathing Pool and Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews. Oblique aerial photograph taken facing west.
© Copyright: HES (Aerofilms Collection)
DP 142080
View of front elevation of Whitevale Public Baths, Glasgow, from north west.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 142091
Detail of carved panel reading 'Whitevale Baths', Whitevale Public Baths, Glasgow.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 155704
Interior view looking west across the extension to the swimming pool hall, Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 155716
Interior view looking north from the pool extension back to the original swimming pool hall, Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 155719
Interior view looking south within the swimming pool hall, with upper level dance studio to top right, Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157609
Interior view of children's swimming pool, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157617
Interior view looking across the training pool hall, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157626
Interior view looking along the main pool hall from poolside, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157630
Detail of lazy river within main pool, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157662
Interior view of diving pool from spectator seating area opposite, Olympia swimming pool, Dundee.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 157727
Exterior view of mural on west elevation of the Olympia swimming pool and leisure centre, Dundee, taken from the west.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 166279
View of main entrance to swimming pool including mural, Provost's Pool, Stirling, taken from north west.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 166299
Square-on view of southern half of Charles Anderson mural, including ranging pole, Provost's Pool, Stirling.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 193195
Oblique aerial view of the Royal Tarlair Golf Course with the harbour and fort in the foreground, and the swimmingpool, looking SSE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 198366
View of swimming pool from south west, Daniel Stewart's and Melville College, Edinburgh.
© Crown Copyright: HES
