Swimming on Islay used to be a short, sharp and very cold affair as the only option was the surrounding sea. That was until 1991 when Bowmore Distillery donated its No 3 warehouse for conversion into the MacTaggart Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool.

Inspiration didn’t stop there. The distillery also agreed to use its recycled hot water to heat the swimming pool.

 

The only disappointment for the Centre’s many visitors is that it’s just water that heats the pool.