Advice against bathing at Portobello

As a result of analysis of routine samples, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have indicated a high bacterial result in the water at Portobello Beach.

SEPA are temporarily advising against bathing and paddling, at Portobello Beach from Pipe Lane to Joppa Rocks, due to the potential risk to human health. SEPA have activated electronic signs and the Council is arranging additional signs to be posted to support this.

SEPA are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Water to investigate and will continue to monitor the situation.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re aware of SEPA’s current advice against bathing and paddling at Portobello beach and I’d request that people follow the advice.

“The matter is currently under investigation, and we’ll continue to liaise with SEPA and our partners to monitor the situation.”

New Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP Chris Murray said: “Horrible to see Porty beach is closed due to a threat to human health.

“Please take care in the coming days and stay out of the water. As the local MP, I will be pushing to get this issue dealt with.”

Further information on Scotland’s Bathing Waters is available on SEPA’s website