Jeremy Balfour MSP for Lothian lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh.
The pool was commissioned by the then Lord Provost, Sir Herbert Archbold Brechin, in 1966 as part of a wider project to bring the Commonwealth Games to Edinburgh and was opened in 1970.
Nicknamed the “commie pool”, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is the only 50-metre pool in Edinburgh and the only Olympic-standard diving facility in Scotland.
The pool has hosted elite diving events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the inaugural 2018 European Championships.
The Conservative and Unionist MSP said:
“The facilities that the Royal Commonwealth Pool provides both for professional swimmers and for recreational use have tremendously benefitted the city of Edinburgh over the last 50 years.
“It’s hosting of diving events during the 2014 Commonwealth Games inspired the people of Edinburgh to take an interest in swimming and diving and enthused many to give these sports a go themselves.
“I wish to congratulate all involved for this anniversary and hope that staff and visitors alike continue to enjoy the facilities for years to come.”