More than half of Scotland's designated bathing waters breached pollution standards in 2025

As the Scottish bathing water season comes to an end, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton 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 45 of Scotland's designated bathing waters breached pollution standards in 2025 and after 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:

• 45 bathing waters recorded high levels of E-coli or IE on at least one occasion in 2025.
• The highest level of E-coli was recorded at Irvine beach, where E-coli was found to be at more than 15 times the safe limit
• The highest level of IE recorded was at Burntisland, where IE was found to be at least 50 times the safe limit

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“I am extremely concerned that Scotland's bathing waters risk being ruined by shocking levels of sewage dumping.

"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.

"The SNP Government needs to finally get serious about the impact of sewage dumping in Scotland.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have published plans for a Clean Water Act that would see a new blue flag system for Scotland's rivers, as well as vital updates to our sewage network and a clamp down on discharges. Ministers need to stop their excuses and toughen up on sewage dumping across Scotland.”