Bathing waters in Sutherland rated as 'excellent' by environmental agency
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The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has given the highest ever number of ‘excellent’ ratings to Scottish bathing waters – with two of Sutherland's beaches standing out.
Scotland’s bathing water quality continues to improve according to the environment agency, with 38 out of 87 (44 per cent) locations rated as ‘excellent’ for 2023.
Overall bathing water quality has seen ongoing improvements since 2015, when tighter standards first came into force. For next season, 85 sites will meet or exceed the sufficient classification.
Among Highland sites rated Achmelvich, Dornoch and Gairloch beaches as "excellent" while Rosemarkie was "good".
There was also an "excellent" rating for Loch Morlich, with Thurso and Nairn beaches rated "good".
Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s principal scientist for bathing waters, said: “Seeing the long-term bathing water quality improvements reflected in this year’s results demonstrates that the sustained hard work by public bodies, private businesses and communities has made a real improvement across Scotland.
“More of our bathing waters will be rated ‘excellent’ than ever before and, overall, 98 per cent are meeting strict environmental standards. We have the largest number of designated bathing waters on record which is good news for the increasing popularity of wild swimming and the communities, businesses and visitors who enjoy our coastlines.
“This has demonstrated the success of driving improvements in water quality through targeted regulation and partnership working. SEPA will continue to work to protect and improve water quality across Scotland with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, public bodies, farmers and local communities and businesses. We will use our expertise to provide advice and guidance, recommend actions and – when it is appropriate to do so - take robust enforcement action.”
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Scotland's bathing waters are not only important to our environment, they provide spaces for recreation and contribute to good health and well-being. That’s why it’s so great to see more bathing waters across the country rated excellent than ever before.
“By investing in improving bathing waters across Scotland, we have made sure many more people – tourists and locals alike - can continue to enjoy them, which is good for our communities and our local economies."
Simon Parsons, director of strategic customer service planning, Scottish Water, said: “Scottish Water is committed to continuing to support the protection and improvement of Scotland’s rivers, coastal waters and beaches.
“Last December, we published our improving urban waters route map announcing plans to invest up to half a billion pounds more in Scotland’s waste water network to deliver further improvements and ensure that Scotland’s rivers, beaches and urban waters are free from sewage related debris.
“Our customers can play a huge part in preventing debris in rivers and on beaches. Our national campaign ‘Nature Calls’ urges customers not to flush wet wipes (and other items) down the toilet and we are calling for a complete ban on the sale of wet wipes containing plastic.”
