Beaches Join the List of Safe Bathing Spots

TWO East Lothian beaches were today added to the list of Scotland’s officially recognised bathing waters.

Broad Sands, east of North Berwick, and Seacliff, a private beach west of the town, were among 20 new locations added to the existing list of 60 bathing spots. They includes Portobello and several other Lothian beaches.

To qualify there must be evidence of a peak of 150 people or more using a beach in one day.

Environment Minister Michael Russell said: “All these new designations are already widely used by the public. Today’s announcement means the relevant authorities are now obliged to ensure they measure up against the tough standards on bathing water set by Europe.

“The public need to have the confidence they are swimming in the highest quality of water, even if at times the Scottish climate can make swimming a bit bracing.

“After last year’s rather miserable summer I hope the 2008 bathing water season brings with it plenty of warmth, sunshine and the chance to take a dip in Scottish waters.”

East Lothian Council welcomed the designations and said all its most popular beaches had notices displaying the bathing quality standards, updated weekly.

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