The new Aberdeen Aquatics Centre has been officially opened.

It comes as Scotland prepares to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games later this month.

The £22m centre first opened to the public in May and is a training and community swimming hub developed by Aberdeen University, the local council and sportscotland.

-- Advertisement --

The facility includes a 50-metre, 10-lane Olympic standard pool, a 25-metre pool and diving boards up to 10 metres high.

Graham Construction commenced work on the centre in July 2011 as part of the second phase of the Aberdeen Sports Village development.

Attending the official opening, the Duchess of Cornwall, unveiled a plaque at the centre, and said: "I do wish to congratulate everybody involved in this wonderful Aquatics Centre. I had no idea of the scale of it and I am so impressed.

"I wish everybody who is competing in the Commonwealth Games the very best of luck."

(JP/IT)