Comment: Burntisland cannot lose its swimming pool for a second time

The issues facing its re-opening may well be technical and challenging, but any hint of closure would spark a backlash.

And the town has been here before.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust might well be advised to read up on the backlash which followed after the old Kirkcaldy District Council decided to close the town’s outdoor pool for good, and made the call on the eve of the crucial summer season.

That may have been back in 1979, but many in the town haven’t forgotten - or forgiven.

There was already local concern at the Beacon’s planned re-opening coming at the coo’s tail – a long wait which came after widespread concern over rumours of possible closure at the start of 2020 sparked a huge petition.

The final days of Burntisland's open air swimming pool

The trust faces some tough calls as it emerges from a prolonged lockdown which obliterated its revenue, and it is clear the Beacon presents a unique set of circumstances which have to be overcome before it can operate in compliance with Scottish Government guidelines.

The danger is it becomes just too problematic at a time when the trust has to think, and operate, differently – simply picking up where it left off in March is not an option.

A prolonged closure cannot be good for the Beacon’s long-term health, but if it cannot meet the guidelines, then it cannot operate.

From the outside looking in, it feels as though the Beacon is currently between a rock and a hard place.