History

The old town guides for Jedburgh refer to Public Baths and Swimming Pool at Kenmore. Gifted to the town by ex provost Mr. James Laidlaw of Allars, Laidlaw Memorial Baths were officially opened by Mr. James Laidlaw on the 3rd of March 1923.

A new pool and building was opened by J.M. laidlaw Esq. on the 31st of March 1974. G Yellowlees J.P. was provost at this time and the architects were Alison, Hutchison & Partners, Edinburgh. Construction work was carried out by Tensa construction Ltd - Edinburgh.

The adjoining Fitness Centre was opened by Ian Stark M.B.E. on the 29th of January 1990 and was commissioned by Roxburgh District Council with chairman G. Yellowlees J.P. The building was renamed at this time and became known as the Waterside Fitness Centre. Scottish Borders Council became custodians in 1996 and ran the centre until 30th of June 2003 when it passed to the Jedburgh Leisure Facilities Trust who now run the The Laidlaw Memorial Pool And Fitness Centre.

The date on the stone underneath the cornice reads 1922. The Laidlaw Memorial Baths were officially opened a year later in 1923.

Kenmore Church and buildings belonging the Old Victoria Laundry are still visible. The large clump of trees in the bottom centre mark the walkway down to the current location of the Laidlaw Memorial Pool.