SWIMMERS can take the plunge at Haddington’s public pool for just 50p next Sunday.

The cut-price entry fee is to celebrate 50 years of the swimming pool, located at Aubigny Sports Centre.

Visitors are being urged to enjoy a swim on Sunday, September 29 at a price similar to when the pool first opened in 1974.

Over the past 50 years, thousands of children and adults have learnt to swim there.

With the introduction of the Get in the Swim membership in recent years, the centre now has nearly 750 people learning to swim each week.

This contributes to a total of 2,350 people from East Lothian coming through the doors of Enjoy Leisure facilities to learn to swim on a weekly basis.

Bill Axon, chief executive of Enjoy Leisure, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the community of East Lothian for their continued support over the years.

“Reaching this milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our customers, colleagues, and our partners at East Lothian Council.

“This anniversary is a reminder of the vital part local leisure facilities play in our communities: they allow people to choose the way they stay active – whether that be via swimming, the gym, golfing, bowling or a fitness class, there’s an option in East Lothian to suit all abilities.

"We also can’t underestimate the significant mental and physical health benefits of living an active lifestyle, as well as the opportunities to meet like-minded people and make new friends by visiting our centres.

“The ongoing work being done at the centre will guarantee it remains fit for purpose for the next generation, and will ensure our facilities stay aligned with the ever-evolving landscape of fitness and wellness.”

Since the swimming pool first opened its doors in the 1970s, the space has expanded, with a sports hall and gym facilities added in 1990.

The swimming pool was refurbished in 2018, and further development is currently under way to expand the centre’s gym area, offering significantly more space and an improved range of equipment.

READ MORE: £1.1 million revamp of Aubigny Sports Centre gym under way

Craig Lamb, Aubigny Sports Centre service manager, said: “Swimming is such a fantastic life-skill that people of all ages can enjoy.

“Over the years, we have remained committed to providing affordable and accessible facilities for the East Lothian community, and we would love for locals to join us at our open day for a 50p swim.

“There are so many benefits to swimming, from alleviating stress to being a fantastic way to cool down after a workout.

“Due to its low-impact nature, it has a really low risk of injury.”

Councillor Colin McGinn, cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing and sport, countryside and leisure, congratulated Enjoy Leisure on reaching the milestone.

He said: “In the five decades since the swimming pool welcomed its first users, it has become a much-valued facility for the community in Haddington as well as the surrounding area.

“Many people will have happy memories of learning to swim or have used the pool as a place to maintain fitness and have fun.

“With the current extension works taking place at the building, the Aubigny Sports Centre as it is now known will continue to be a real asset to people of all ages well into the future.”