The Pickaquoy Centre

This is a large sports centre of recent origin. As well as a children’s pool there is a wide 25 metre pool. When I arrived during a lane swimming session the pool was divided into three sections - fast, medium and slow. Each was two lanes wide, which allowed ready overtaking. There were fewer than half a dozen swimmers in each section even when one was given over to an exercise class. I thought the water a little warm for swimming lengths though a pleasant refuge from the Orkney winter.

The changing village is down the stairs to the right of reception. Lockers take a £1 coin which is returned. Soap is not provided in the communal showers.

It's a nice facility. There are two pools, one with lanes and one for play. The lap pool was deep, a little warm, and well organised. My swim at 5 PM had some lane sharing but not to excess. The changing rooms are of the 'village' type, which is not to the taste of some, me included. There are other extensive leisure facilities on site. The centre does its remote location great credit. Orcadians are lucky to have the Pickaquoy.