From Stephen Harris, Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool
Research commissioned by the Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool (SOAP) has revealed that the pool contributed over £1 million to the Scottish economy in 2023 and almost £900,000 in Aberdeenshire.
This summer, the Friends commissioned MKA Economics to carry out an independent Economic Impact Assessment for SOAP.
Using data provided by Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) and survey responses provided by hundreds of users of the pool, MKA Economics were able to carry a rigorous assessment of the contribution that SOAP makes to the economy.
In 2023 Aberdeenshire Council effectively subsidised the pool to the tune of about £122,000. That investment was rewarded by almost £900,000 of economic impact in the Shire and £1.1 million across Scotland. A return of almost £10 for every £1 invested.
Steve Harris, Chair of the Friends of SOAP, said, “Everyone who lives in Stonehaven knows how valuable an asset the pool is to the local community and is also aware that it is a major attraction for visitors. But it is good to have some independent confirmation of how big that contribution is.”
“The pool is sustained by investment from LLA and a big effort from the Friends voluntary work. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone.”
Mark Kummerer, Director of MKA Economics, said “The ability to work collectively with SOAP and LLA to obtain performance data as well as collate a robust set of responses from the user survey has enabled a robust economic impact assessment to be completed. The results take account of leakage and displacement and are presented as those which are directly attributable to the open air pool.”