Work starts to restore much loved tidal pool in St Andrews after major fundraising

The Castle Sands Forever project will oversee essential repairs and improvements at the historic pool which has suffered years without maintenance, plus damage from storms and erosion.

The group launched on 2025, and the work will be led by The Hamish Foundation with support from volunteer logistics co-ordinator, Christine Edwards and local wild swimming group Bob & Blether.

The Hamish Foundation - a volunteer-led charity established in memory of Hamish McHamish, the much-loved St Andrews cat -. has negotiated the licence with Fife Council and raised the funds to make this project happen.

The work will include repair and refurbishment of the existing sluice gate and outlet pipes, construction of a cope upstand to damaged areas, plugging vulnerable voids within the seaside wall to prevent loss of water and removing excess seaweed and algae.

The pool will also be manually cleared of debris, making it cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for the hundreds of students, locals, visitors, and families who enjoy it each year. A new handrail is already installed, making the pathway accessible to all.

The restoration is expected to be completed by the end of November, subject to weather and working conditions, and the tidal pool will remain open while it is undertaken, although temporary restrictions may apply in specific areas during low tide.

The project is the result of an extraordinary community fundraising effort, with The Hamish Foundation raising £60,000 so far for the restoration project and ongoing maintenance. It will continue fundraising as more repairs become apparent.

Funding has also come from a combination of grants, including Fife Council, Fife Environment Trust, The Pilgrim Foundation, St Andrews Community Council, St Andrews Heritage Trust and the University of St Andrews. There have also been generous donations from local businesses, organisations and private individuals in the UK and overseas) and the sale of the Castle Sands Forever calendar and merchandise has added to the funds. Ostara, St Andrews will be stocking the new hoodies.

Debbie MacCallum, co-founder and chair of The Hamish Foundation, said, "This has been a real labour of love, and to finally see the work starting is incredibly exciting. Castle Sands means so much to so many people, and we have been overwhelmed by the community's generosity and everyone who's helped us get to this point.

"This project was always about much more than repairing some stonework. It’s about protecting a place people have used and loved for generations and ensuring it remains safe and accessible for generations to come.

"It’s also particularly special because this was a project that my great friend Linda Anne Beaulier was so passionate about. She was a driving force behind the restoration of the pool, and although she sadly died before we could see the project through, we have carried on with her vision. I know she would be absolutely delighted to see the work finally beginning."

The restoration project follows years of work by The Hamish Foundation to improve access to the coast and provide opportunities for children, families and the wider community.

The charity has previously raised funds for beach wheelchairs, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, an accessible walkway and a fleet of 10 wheelchairs, all provided free at the point of use. The equipment and facilities are now managed by the St Andrews Environmental Network, with volunteers helping to support their operation.

For more information, visit https://hamishfoundation.co.uk/