Aberdeen has re-ignited its demand for the construction of a 50 metre swimming pool on the back of the Commonwealth games announcement.

Leader of Aberdeen City Council, Kate Dean, has pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the city secures such a facility, ear marked for use as a training base for athletes.

Talks surrounding the bid for the Olympic sized pool began in October after a slush fund, raised through the sale of three ground leases, began burning a hole in the council's pocket. The plans were then put on the back burner after fears the £23 million project may collapse because of a lack of funds.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor Dean said: "I think this is a very exciting opportunity for us. There will be a need for training camps all over the country."

The proposals have also been backed by Double Commonwealth gold medal winning swimmer David Carry, who grew up in Aberdeen.

He said: "I hope that one day Aberdeen does have a 50m pool because I have had to do a lot of travelling and had a lot of expense to go training in 50m pools.

"It is very important because all the competitions are swum in a 50m pool.”

(DW/JM)