Community to be consulted over future of former Portree Swimming Pool site

The Highland Council has promised to consult with the local community over the future use of the site of the former public swimming pool in Portree, which has lain empty for four years and is considered to be an eyesore.

As the owners of the building and the site on which the pool stands, the Council has awarded a contract for the demolition of the pool and work is due to commence in August.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chairman of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee, said there was no doubt that the derelict building and the site on which it stands are owned by the Council.

He said: “What we promise to do is to consult with the public over the future use of this prominent site and to identify a project that is of maximum benefit for the community.”

Councillor Drew Millar said: “The demolition of the former swimming pool is long overdue.  It is steadily deteriorating and it and the surrounding area has become an eyesore in the town. I am confident we will attract a lot of interest from the community for the future use of this site.”

One suggestion already made  is that the site become a new base for local Gaelic Medium Early Years groups in the town.