Mull Iona Swimming Pool

The Mull and Iona Community Swimming Pool, a long-cherished dream for island residents, finally opened its doors on March 1, 2008. This marked the culmination of decades of dedicated community campaigning and extensive fundraising efforts that had begun as far back as the 1980s. Its existence is a testament to the perseverance of the local community.

The facility operates through a truly unique partnership model: the Mull and Iona Community Enterprise (MICE), a local charity, built the £1.8 million pool on land leased from the adjacent Isle of Mull Hotel. In a crucial reciprocal agreement, the hotel then took on the responsibility for managing and covering all of the pool’s running costs. This innovative collaboration was vital, as income generated solely from community use would not have been sufficient to sustain the pool’s operation.

The pool itself features a 17m x 7m semi-level deck pool, complemented by a smaller children’s paddling pool. It’s cleverly integrated with the hotel’s existing leisure club and spa, providing additional amenities for users. These include an inviting outdoor hot tub with stunning coastal views, a relaxing steam room, a traditional Norwegian spruce sauna, and a refreshing hydro foot spa. Beyond being a fantastic leisure amenity, the pool serves a critical role in the islands, offering essential swimming lessons for both schoolchildren and adults. This addresses a significant local need for water safety and provides a much-needed indoor facility, particularly valuable given Mull’s often wet climate.