Fisherrow Sands, in Musselburgh, has been re-designated as one of Scotland's safe water bathing spots after three years of investment.
The beach ended the 2019 bathing water season with a ‘poor’ water quality classification, the fifth year in a row.
As a result it was no longer a designated bathing water and the Bathing Water (Scotland) regulations required that advice against bathing applied.
During this period members of the public were advised against entering the water at this location, due to potential risk involving water quality and general safety.
This led to the beach being declared the 4th dirtiest in Britain in a 2021 survey.
From 2020, works had been carried out by Scottish Water on the local network and assets, to improve performance, with regular liaison with SEPA on progress.
However, it has now been confirmed that the beach has become one of the first, alongside Wardie Bay in Edinburgh, to earn its bathing water status back following £3m of investment.
Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s principal scientist for bathing waters, was delighted to see the quality of Scottish waters improving after years of hard-work.
She said: “SEPA have been driving improvements at Scotland’s bathing waters for over 20 years.
"While it was disappointing to see Fisherrow Sands de-designated, it’s good news that it is re-joining the list again in 2023.
"This means that we will be taking formal samples this season, the electronic beach sign will be switched back on to show water quality predictions, and Fisherrow Sands will receive a classification for the 2024 season."
John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, said: "East Lothian’s coastline is a popular attraction for people enjoying a range of water sports or simply a relaxing day out.
"The improvements to water quality at Fisherrow are welcomed with the return of bathing water status".
Màiri McAllan, cabinet secretary for net zero and just transition, officially announced the re-designation adding Fisherrow Sands to the list of 89 bathing waters deemed safe across Scotland
She said: “As a result of our investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across Scotland we now have the highest number of designated bathing water sites ever, with 98 per cent passing bathing water quality standards and more rated as ‘excellent’ than ever before.
“However, we are not complacent. We continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality on our designated beaches and in our designated lochs, to ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy them throughout this summer and beyond.”
“Unfortunately, the solutions to many water quality issues can take time and investment to resolve. We know that can be frustrating for communities, but this is yet another example of a project that is delivering real improvements for our environment and communities.”
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