Dunfermline calendar brings back memories of Carnegie Baths lessons

Bob Leiser remembers being taught to swim there as a child by a Miss Bruce: “Miss Bruce’s catch-phrase was ‘Bend, wide, together’. Fifty years later I’m sure I’m not the only one who still hears that when swimming”.

Elaine McLachlan also remembers swimming lessons in there: “Miss Bruce - she terrified me, taught me to swim though. I remember every time I looked up at her I saw her pink bloomers! She also used to hold a big wooden pole in case you were tired for you to grab on to it”

Dick McHale remembers working in the building: “I worked in the baths for 20 years trying to keep the water warm! What a great crowd of people..”

Rae Valleyfuoco also recalls the baths, although not as a warm experience.

“ I remember going from Queen Anne once a week to the baths. We walked there and I remember the water was freezing. This was in the early 1950s when they taught you how to swim by pushing you in to the pool. Another lady was there with a long pole with a hook on it and if you looked like you were going under too many times she would fish you out - the kids today have it easy…”

Our next photograph looking up Pilmuir Street shows the old Dunlop building which is currently undergoing renovations into accommodation.

The old Dunlop building on Pilmuir Street. (Image: Contributed) The present Carnegie baths would later be built across the cobbled road where the derelict cottages are.

The image brings back memories for Ronnie Hogg: “At the time of this photo, Dunlops would have been part of Hay & Robertsons and St Margarets Works. Hay and Robertsons owned both of the factories on either side of Foundry St. They were joined by a walkway above road level in Foundry Street. I worked briefly for Hay & Robertsons in the 60s while waiting for exam results. It was a good place to work.”

Pearl Hopkins also remembers the buildings: “I worked there at Hay & Roberstons. I think there is a blue heritage plaque on it now and turned into flats. I travelled there from Oakley every morning. After a while I worked at Wilson & Wightman across the road. Then we went to Canada.”

Looking to Pilmuir Street (Image: Contributed) Our final photograph shows the building that was the original Carnegie baths funded by Andrew Carnegie, situated on the corner of Pilmuir Street and Carnegie Drive.

At that time those streets were called Bath Street and Carnegie Street. It was later Pilmuir Hall, and later again used by the Ministry of Pensions before being demolished.

The ‘Old Dunfermline’ calendar is available in the shops at Abbot House and Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, as well as online at olddunfermline.com/shop.

The original Carnegie baths which were funded by Andrew Carnegie and situated on the corner of Pilmuir Street and Carnegie Drive. (Image: Contributed) More images like these can be seen in Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries as well as at facebook.com/olddunfermline.

With thanks to Frank Connelly