Edinburgh Leisure’s Glenogle Swim Centre marked its 125th anniversary in style on Friday, 5 September, with a historical celebration attended by the Lord Provost, Tracey Gilbert MP, staff, members and residents.

Affectionately known as ‘Glennies’, the Victorian swim centre in Stockbridge welcomed guests from 10:30 am for a morning of festivities that honoured its rich history and enduring community spirit.

The Lord Provost was greeted by Glenogle Manager Fiona Blacklock and PR Officer Kerry Teakle before joining the celebration, which included:

• A welcome speech and cake cutting by the Lord Provost and Operations Supervisor, Ailsa Smith.
• The burial of a time capsule in the beautiful Glenogle garden, curated by Sam Machin of Glenogle Café, featuring contributions from local residents.
• The unveiling of a commemorative bench at the Saxe-Coburg garden entrance, recognising the efforts of community gardeners Marjorie Mantle and Andrew Dixon.
• A plant stall hosted by Mahboob Ditta, King’s Award for Volunteering recipient, offering horticultural advice.

The event also showcased Glenogle’s artistic and historical legacy:

• An art competition involving local primary schools, themed Past, Present and Future, organised by Operations Supervisor and artist Johnathan Elders.
• A community exhibition curated by leisure attendant Isla Miller, featuring historical research and memorabilia.
• Works by artists inspired by Glenogle’s architecture, including Soo Burnell, Teresa Sumerfield, Dave Thompson, and Rose Cook.

As part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 celebrations, the Great Lengths exhibition was on display at Glenogle and will move to The Living Memories Association’s new space at Ocean Terminal from 9 September.

A Living Memories podcast is also in development, capturing stories from Glenogle’s past and present, supported by a vintage memorabilia stall.

A Story of Resilience

Glenogle’s history is one of resilience. In the early 2000s, it faced closure, prompting a passionate community campaign – Save Glenogle – led by Marjorie Mantle and supported by nearly 10,000 signatures. George Woodcock, then a postman, collected signatures on his round. “I learnt to swim here over 40 years ago,” he told the Stockbridge Gazette in April 2007. “It’s a scandal the pool might close.”

Thanks to community efforts, a £5.7 million refurbishment was secured, and the baths reopened in 2010.

Like Edinburgh Leisure’s other Victorian pools – Warrender, Leith Victoria, Dalry, and Portobello – Glenogle blends historic charm with modern amenities, including upgraded heating and energy-efficient systems.

Originally opened on 7 September 1900, Glenogle was designed by architect Robert Morham under the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846. It has since evolved into a hub for sport, recreation, and community connection.

Looking Ahead
Johnathan Elders, Operations Supervisor at Glenogle said: “Glenogle holds a special place in so many people’s memories. Our celebration honoured the past 125 years and looked to the future, with the time capsule capturing life in 2025 for generations to come.”

A week-long programme of events will follow, including gym challenges and fun pool sessions for kids and families.