Dundee Council leader rules out closing school pools to plug £8.4m funding gap

Dundee City Council leader Mark Flynn has ruled out closing school pools in a bid to plug a multi-million pound budget shortfall.

The local authority is facing an £8.4m black hole in its finances ahead of setting the 2026/27 budget.

The budget is expected to be set next month. However, last year council officers put forward a number of proposals which could be taken to address the shortfall.

These included shutting the swimming pools in Baldragon Academy, Harris Academy and St John’s RC High School.

If this option is approved, it would save the local authority more than £500,000 over the next two years.

‘Swimming pools are concerning for many’

The SNP administration is yet to reveal its own budget proposals.

However, council leader Mark Flynn has confirmed that Dundee school pool closures will not be on the agenda.

He said: “I can’t go into too much detail but I want to give some reassurance that we are addressing some of the issues raised – fundamentally swimming pools.

“Swimming pools are really concerning for many so I just want to give that reassurance we will not be closing any of the pools mentioned in the budget proposals by the officers.”

Broughty Ferry Castle

A final decision over the future of the historic Broughty Ferry Castle is also expected to be made at next month’s budget setting.

The attraction has faced an uncertain future ever since proposals to close it first emerged in March 2024.

Councillors previously agreed to continue the lease for a further one-year period on a summer opening schedule.

Speaking on the issue, Councillor Flynn said they were exploring all possible options.

He said: “We are looking at all the options available to us, and listening to what the associations and traders in Broughty Ferry want.

“(We) are seeing what we can deliver to make sure the castle can open for a period of time through the year.”

Council leader hails Christmas offering

Mr Flynn also hailed last year’s festive offering in the city centre – and outlined his ambition for the celebrations to be bigger this year.

“I think what we did at Christmas last year was fantastic”, he added.

“I feel people enjoyed the city. Residents came in and people from outside came in to enjoy. That’s something we see the benefit of.

“I’m really confident we can do something similar, if not maybe slightly better this year.”