Dijkstra-Downie demands Scottish government take action to make Edinburgh's waters safe for public use

Edinburgh Northern MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has today pressed the Scottish government to finally start cleaning up Edinburgh’s polluted waters.

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, she asked when the government will make good on its commitment to begin feasibility studies to clear the way for safe public usage of sections of the Water of Leith and Wardie Bay.

Both have seen serious problems of pollution, including sewage contamination, and residents looking to make use of them are routinely unable to because conditions in the water are so unsafe.

In addition, Wardie Bay was dredged over several days during the bathing season in August this year, putting bathers at further risk.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said:

“The Water of Leith and Wardie Bay are among Edinburgh’s most treasured places, yet the safe management needed to ensure they are fit for public use has never materialised.

“The SNP’s overall record on water safety is extremely poor. As things stand, people who want to use these waters have to contend with sewage and dangerous waste, sometimes right next to their homes. It cannot go on.

“While I was pleased to see a commitment to bringing these waters into safe usage in John Swinney’s programme for government, we have already waited too long for action. I will continue to push the government hard to make Edinburgh’s waters safe as soon as possible.”