A MUSSELBURGH beach has been branded ‘poor’ for its water quality in a report by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The report reveals the water quality at each of the county’s beaches, and only Fisherrow was described as ‘poor’.

Two – Gullane and Seacliff – were described as ‘excellent’, while Seton Sands and Yellowcraig were only graded as ‘sufficient’.

The nationwide report stressed that 87 per cent of waters across Scotland met strict environmental water quality standards.

A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “We are committed to delivering investment where our assets are found to be compromising quality.

“We continue to work with SEPA and a range of agencies, local authorities, beach users and other relevant organisations to improve bathing water quality where required.

“People can help by ensuring that they only flush the right things down toilets – the three Ps: pee, poo and paper – to avoid causing blockages to drains and sewers which can cause pollution on beaches.”

Roseanna Cunningham MSP, environment secretary, added: “Protecting and improving our bathing waters is crucial for our environment, for local economies which rely on beach tourism and for people who will be able to enjoy our seaside resorts and beaches over the summer months.

“Partnership working between SEPA, Scottish Water, local authorities, the farming sector and communities is vital to achieving better results and I am pleased to see that this work has helped to drive forward improvements this season.”

The full list for East Lothian is: Dunbar (Belhaven) – good; Dunbar (East) – good; Fisherrow Sands – poor; Yellowcraig – sufficient; Gullane – excellent; Longniddry – good; North Berwick (Milsey Bay) – good; North Berwick (West) – good; Seacliff – excellent; Seton Sands – sufficient; Thorntonloch – good; Whitesands – good.