Bucksburn Swimming Pool to reopen but six libraries to remain shut

Bucksburn Swimming Pool set to reopen but six city libraries will remain shut after budget cuts forced their closured in March.

Aberdeen councillors made the decision during a full council meeting at the Town House on Thursday.

Campaigners involved in the Save Bucksburn Swimming Pool campaign hailed the decision as a "victory for community power".

However it was a bitter-sweet verdict as the doors of Cornhill, Cults, Ferryhill, Kaimhill, Northfield and Woodside libraries will remain shut.

The SNP Liberal Democrat coalition wanted to keep the libraries closed, but Labour and Conservative councillors were in favour of reopening all facilities.

It follows on from a consultation process assessing the impacts of the closures after a fierce campaign was kick-started demanding the facilities be reopened.

Aberdeen City Council were soon faced with legal action - four separate judicial reviews were lodged which eventually came to a halt after the local authority settled an agreement with petitioners.

During the council meeting two library campaigners gave deputations criticising the accessibility of the consultation process and requesting the vote to be postponed.

Speaking on Wednesday, Save Aberdeen Libraries campaigner Karen Barret-Ayres highlighted concerns around a blanket closure of libraries.

She said: "In closing libraries, you're saying we do not value culture, we do not encourage communities to prosper and we do not care about our children's future success.

"And why are the libraries being lumped together in one job lot? I think they should be assessed individually, it shouldn't be all or nothing."

Fellow campaigner Hayden Lorimer said despite the result, he's "hugely proud" of what they've achieved.

He said: "One thing is for sure, we will not be going away. Aberdeen's library services are a cherished public service and it's libraries are cherished public spaces. Clearly, as a result of today's decision, we need to be watchful for the future of that service and those spaces.

"The all-or-nothing choice that was given today was deeply problematic and really hamstrung the nature of the debate. I think what was almost as disappointing was the absence of a will to try and explore other options."

Following the decision, Kirsty Fraser who's been leading the Save Bucksburn Swimming Pool campaign said: "Today, the Save Bucksburn Swimming Pool campaign celebrates a monumental victory as the local council announces the decision to reopen our beloved pool! This triumph is not just about swimming; it's a testament to the unwavering dedication of our community.

"Overcoming hurdles and facing challenges head-on, our collective effort has proven that when a community comes together for a common cause, change is not only possible but inevitable. The decision to reopen Bucksburn Swimming Pool is a resounding declaration that the power of the people can shape the future of our city."

It is understood the pool may not reopen until at least the end of 2024.