URGENT APPEAL: Wick’s Trinkie outdoor pool faces destruction without immediate funding
A desperate appeal has been issued to the public and business community to help save the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool from complete destruction after Storm Babet damage.
Over the past year, local volunteers from the Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group (THPG) have undertaken fundraising activities and submitted applications to raise the £40K needed to repair part of the main wall.
The group received match funding from the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund but unfortunately only received a third from the other local fund and this has resulted in a £10K shortfall.
Catherine Sapalski from the THPG said: “Since 2018 the committee have completed two major repairs to the retaining wall and these have been constructed to a high standard and withstood the storm.
“The damaged area was in a weakened state and unfortunately collapsed after being in place for 92 years. There is a fear that if funds can’t be raised to repair the damaged area then the tides will undermine the existing work and the Trinkie will simply disappear into the sea.”
However, she says on a more positive note that if the repair can be completed it will mean that 80 per cent of the Trinkie will be structurally sound, with the other 20 per cent being in good condition, and the pool should last for years to come.
The committee is keen to emphasise that it wishes to preserve the Trinkie as a historic feature of Wick and to save it for future generations. “It is on the North Coast 500 route and is visited by tourists and many locals,” adds Cathy.
“There is a perception that ‘someone else’ or the council is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Trinkie when in fact it is a handful of volunteers who are doing their best to preserve it whilst holding down jobs and family.
“The recent setback with the funding means we need to raise money quickly if the repair is to go ahead this year.
“There is also the added pressure of a limited weather season for access and tidal difficulties but it can be done with the public’s help. The Trinkie is at a critical point and the need for speed is essential.”
If you would like to offer support or make a donation, please visit the THPG Facebook page where a QR code will direct you to a PayPal account for the group. Alternatively, please message THPG or email cpmilton@hotmail.co.uk with support or sponsorship.
To subscribe to the paper please follow this link: www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/subscribe/
Use the promo code DAVIDGSCOTT to get a year of unlimited digital access for just £10 - we really appreciate your support.
