This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Bathing water quality
16/09/2005
Around 95 per cent of bathing beaches met European standards this summer, according to an analysis by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
It confirmed that 57 of the 60 designated bathing waters passed European Bathing Water Directive standards equalling the highest level of passes, achieved in 2003.
Bathing waters at Stonehaven, Nairn East and Eyemouth failed two tests during the season.
Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"The people of Scotland value our beaches very highly and I am delighted to report continuing improvements in bathing water quality.
"The results are particularly good news for the Ayrshire coast which achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.
"We have invested £1.6 billion into improving the water infrastructure in Scotland since 2000. This is delivering real environmental improvements.
"The various development programmes being undertaken across Scotland by Scottish Water dovetail with work being carried out by local authorities, SEPA and other agencies to reduce our impact on the environment and ensure our beaches are enjoyed by generations to come."
European Directive 76/160/EEC sets mandatory bacteriological and other health-related standards for bathing waters in Europe.
SEPA samples bathing water quality during the bathing season, which in Scotland runs from June 1 to September 15.
In 2004, 56 out of 60 bathing waters met these standards. In 1998 only half of designated bathing waters met these standards.
The Executive has encouraged communities to nominate their favourite swimming areas as official bathing waters. Applications are being sought and will be reviewed by the Bathing Waters Identification and Review Panel, which consists of representatives from the Executive, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Water, Marine Conservation Society, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Crown Estate, Association of Scottish Community Councils, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Visit Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Clean Coast Scotland.
Application packs are available from Suzanne Roberts:
Coastal Campaign Co-ordinator/ Clean Coast Scotland
Keep Scotland Beautiful
Islay House
Livilands Lane
Stirling
FK8 2BG