The reopening of Tarlair lido is more than a triumph of historical restoration—it’s a blueprint for a new kind of tourism. By securing a 99-year lease and operating as a charity, the Friends of Tarlair have ensured the site’s future remains in community hands, prioritizing public benefit over private profit.
This project defies the notion that only commercial ventures can revive heritage sites. Through relentless advocacy, local volunteers partnered with renowned architects like Chris Romer-Lee and James Lowe, showing that grassroots vision can attract top-tier expertise when the mission aligns with wider cultural values.
Tarlair’s success could spark a wave of similar revivals along Scotland’s coast, where abandoned sites await a second chance. By blending authenticity with sustainability, community-owned attractions like Tarlair offer meaningful experiences for visitors and residents alike, keeping economic and cultural benefits rooted in the local area.