Half of Scotland's designated bathing waters breached pollution standards in 2026

As the Scottish bathing water season comes to an end, Scottish Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has today called on the SNP Government to get serious about the impact of sewage dumping in Scotland.

This follows new analysis by the Liberal Democrats which revealed that 44 of Scotland's designated bathing waters breached pollution standards in 2026 and a number of reports of bathing waters being closed due to pollution over the summer.

SEPA carries out regular water quality testing in designated bathing waters during the bathing season from 15th May to 15th September, and reports results for the levels of E-coli and intestinal enterococci (IE). The presence of these bacteria is an indicator of potential sewage pollution.

The figures show:

• 44 bathing waters recorded high levels of E-coli or IE on at least one occasion in 2026.
• The highest level of E-coli was recorded at Lower Largo in Fife, where E-coli was found to be at least 20 times the safe limit.
• The highest level of IE recorded was at Portobello West beach in Edinburgh, where IE was found to be 47 times the safe limit.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said:

"Our bathing waters are visited by thousands of Scots every year, from swimmers to pet owners. They ought to be able to enjoy our coastline without worrying about what is in the water.

"Pollution has led to a spate of beach closures all summer long, yet it is only during these summer months that the water quality is regularly tested, despite many of these sites being popular all year.

"This situation simply isn't good enough. No matter what time of year it is, we need to give people confidence that our bathing waters are safe to use.

“It’s why Scottish Liberal Democrats have set out proposals to modernise the rules for bathing waters, monitor water quality all year round and empower community groups to request monitoring prior to an event.”