Scots from across the country swarmed New Cumnock last week to swim under the stars

Swimmers from Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Edinburgh, flocked to Scotland’s only freshwater outdoor pool for its special Doukin’ In The Dark event.

The iconic pool kept its doors open late to launch the new season.

The balmy 30-degree water offered aqua aerobics sessions, inflatable toys, and the chance to make new friends.

Pool supervisor Andy Clapperton said: “We deliberately run at limited capacity for events like this, and we were close to a sell-out for our first Doukin’ In The Dark of the season.

Our guests were of a range of ages, with some local and some from further afield many from Glasgow and some from Edinburgh, and a lot from Ayr and Kilmarnock.

“For me, the highlight of the night was the 45-minute aqua aerobic session, which everyone took part in. We turn the temperature of the pool up for these events as folk are not swimming hard, just floating about. The majority were in at 9pm and didn’t get out until midnight.

"It’s a right good social night and they all enjoyed their free mocktail at the end.”

The Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Swimming Pool was threatened with closure in 2016 but was rescued by The Prince’s Foundation, the charity founded by HRH ThePrince of Wales, and headquartered at nearby Dumfries House estate.

The refurbished facility, part of a £4m refurbishment of New Cumnock undertaken by the charity that includes the renovated adjacent town hall, offers employment to 12 local people on a full-time and part-time basis.

The Prince’s Foundation, which runs the facility, has drawn up an action-packed timetable of pool activities, including aquafit and aqua-jogging classes. Outwith scheduled sessions for members of the public and swimming lessons, the state-of-the-art lido is also available for private hire.

Doukin’ In The Dark takes place throughout summer, with sessions on July 6, August 3 and August 31. Tickets can be reserved in person at the pool or by emailing info@ dumfries-house.org.uk