Portobello Bathing Pool on on opening day with Lord Provost Louis S. Gumley. Courtesy of Edinburgh Central Library – Andrew Bethune

Portobello Bathing Pool.  The Wonder Swim Pool – No. 1 Sporting Stadium was opened by Lord Provost Louis S. Gumley on 30th May 1936. 

Portobello Bathing Pool saw despite poor weather 10,000 people who were testimony to the spectacle.
Quoted from the The Scotsman June 1st 19 36. “….The Lord Provost 

“I did not think any honest critic of civic administration in Edinburgh could say they were lacking in enterprise.  He said that for efficiency and initiative they were second to none in this country.  he would not stay to speak of the many interesting and unique features of this great bathing establishment,  but in a word he was sure everyone would agree it was a really magnificent piece of work….”

10,000 crowd on Opening Day. Present day. There was much mourning in Portobello when the lido went. Courtesy of Edinburgh Central Library – Andrew Bethune. +

Opening Day 

Several thousand were unable to gain admission on this historic day. The pool was the largest in Europe and could seat 6000. The crowds were rewarded when the sun shone through torrential bouts of rain.

Portobello’s Historic Opening Day. The pool was the first to ever have developed the wave machine…and…Sean Connery was a Lifeguard! Courtesy of Edinburgh Central Library – Andrew Bethune. +

To add to the “showers” the artificial wave machine was set in motion. This was the first of it’s kind. There was so much laughter as the foam flecked breakers dashed onto the “beach,” and unsuspecting spectators were christened by the spray!
Flotation displays took place by the Renfrew School Team followed by Prunella Stack leading the diving display from the 10 metre board. She showed grace, ability and much charm.
The display was full of thrills including Mr Tommy Mather, the British Empire High Diving Champion and Olympic Representative. Ex Champions L.G. Marchant followed on with W.G. Stanton and Miss Cicily Cousens – a Coate diver – the National Ladies High Diving Champion.
After many twists and turns, the display rounded off with the grace of the running “swallow” with thunderous applause from the crowd to greet them.
Miss Eileen Wharbuton, a Portobello swimmer together with Mrs Nan Cross gave demonstrations of good swimming style.

Sir Peter Heatly from Portobello Great Britain Olympic Diving Representative

Sir Peter Heatly from Portobello Great Britain Olympic Diving Representative and Commonwealth (Empire) Gold MedallistPortobello was to have many claims to fame, including Sir Peter Heatly, the 1949/50s multi National High Diving and Springboard Champion, Empire Champion and Olympic Representative. His first years were devoted to swimming events but a posting to Rosyth Dockyard gave him the opportunity to concentrate on diving training where there were appropriate facilities during winter time at least.
Film fans would be delighted to learn that Sean Connery was a former Lifeguard here at “Porty!”

The first EVER “Wave Machine” served well.  Army troops were sent on a mission to try out sea sickness pills. What better facilities could there be 1959.
But there were shock waves too…in 1970 the No. 1 Worlds magnicent Bathing Pool’s future was in balance

Click Picture for movie….

Shock moves to close. from 30s to 70s.From – 1930s – 1970s. Courtesy of
There was major public outcry and petitions – a major petitioner being Sean Connery himself.  But it all ended with the shock move.

From 3os to 70s. Courtesy of Edinburgh Central Library – Andrew Bethune

OUTCOME: Due to climatic changes, patrons change of holiday habits (and going where there is guaranteed sun,) “Porty” went the same route as most open air pools. “Porty” was closed and demolished in 1988. After much debate it was decided to create Five Aside Football on the pool site. 

The site of the Lido today. Five a side football. Geo reference 1944 – 70 map. Will expand to full view ++

Extra info from visitors…

Contribution received from Eric of Pond Hall 09/08/16
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