Tag: SEPA

Storm Darragh: Travel Advice

Travel and safety advice has been issued following a Met Office Amber weather warning for high winds associated with Storm Darragh today (Saturday, 7th December 2024) between 1am and 9pm.

All road users should consider if they really need to travel during the adverse weather or if travel can be delayed until conditions improve.

The Scottish areas affected by the Amber warning are:

  • Dumfries and Galloway
  • South Ayrshire

Please visit the Met Office website for more detailed information about the weather warning. Yellow warnings for wind and rain are also in place for parts of Scotland.

Please also be aware of weather warnings in place for other parts of the UK, including a Red weather warning for high winds across parts of Wales and avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected.

Motorists are advised there is a high risk of disruption in the areas affected by the warning and there may be significant delays. Conditions may be hazardous due to the high winds and extra caution should be exercised.

Travellers with bookings on ferries should check with operators for updates on crossings.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1865037333533180020

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas, or consider delaying your journey until conditions improve.

“Plan ahead and keep updated by checking the Met Office and Traffic Scotland websites and social media.”

The Ready Scotland website has useful information about adverse weather, including how to secure your home from the danger of storms.

Advice for road users:

  • If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
  • Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
  • Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
  • Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
  • Do not put yourself in danger trying to clear roads of debris
  • Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
  • Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
  • Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, X or their website
  • Other information can be found on the Met Office, Ready Scot. For public transport information visit www.travelinescotland.
  • Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on X for up-to-date travel information.

Wind

  • HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
  • Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
  • Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.

SEPA: Flooding expected as Storm Darragh arrives

Regional Flood Alerts are in place as Storm Darragh is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to much of Scotland on Friday and Saturday.

Localised flooding from surface water and high river levels is possible across parts of southern, central and north-eastern Scotland. This could lead to impacts such as disruption to travel and flooding of low-lying land, roads and isolated properties.

The Met Office also has warnings in place for potentially damaging winds associated with Storm Darragh. High winds may cause dangerous conditions in coastal areas due to wave overtopping and sea spray. 

David Morgan, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “The arrival of Storm Darragh is expected to cause disruption across Scotland today and tomorrow. There’s a risk of surface water and river flooding in central, southern and north-eastern areas due to persistent, and at times heavy, rainfall.

“People living, working and travelling in affected areas are advised to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and stay safe. Take care when travelling and plan your journey in advance as impacts may include roads being flooded and disruption to the rail network.

“We have issued Flood Alerts and continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. Regional Alerts and local Flood Warnings will be reviewed throughout the weekend and updated as necessary.

“We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”

Prepare and be aware

  • Check the Scottish Flood Forecast: Combining the Met Office’s cutting-edge weather forecasts with SEPA’s data and expertise, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides a clear, three-day outlook that shows when and where flooding is expected, whether from rivers, surface water, or the sea in Scotland. It can also reassure you if flooding is not expected.
  • Sign Up to Floodline for text, phone call, or email messages for the area where you live or work, allowing you to take action and prepare when flooding is expected.
  • Follow SEPA on social media: SEPA provide information on predicted flooding in advance through the dedicated @SEPAFlood account on X and its Facebook page.

Visit SEPA’s flooding pages today to access these tools and find out more about how to prepare for and be aware of potential flooding.

Stay safe

  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

Stay informed

What’s the difference between a flood alert and a flood warning?

Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.

Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges to measure the exact water height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

Motorists are being urged to take extra safety precautions before heading out on the road in heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall.

Motoring experts at Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to ensure their cars are roadworthy in all weather conditions and have researched tips for protecting vehicles during storm season.

With storm warnings announced across the country, Brits are being urged to avoid getting behind the wheel, but for those who need to head out on necessary journeys, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to stay safe on the roads.

A survey revealed a third of drivers admit to not slowing down in wet weather and nearly one in three have driven over the speed limit despite these dangerous conditions.

According to The Highway Code, in wet weather the stopping distances are at least double those required on dry roads because water reduces the grip the tyres have on the road.

This means the distance between cars, which the Highway Code recommends as two seconds in dry conditions, should also be doubled, or even tripled in wet conditions.

This should allow drivers sufficient time to react and come to a full stop if needed without hitting the car in front of them.

If a road is flooded, drivers should turn around and find an alternative route as driving through flood water can lead to loss of control and serious damage to vehicles – which car insurance is unlikely to cover.

Motorists should also be mindful of strong winds and keep a strong grip on the steering wheel at all times to prevent being swayed off course, especially when driving past gaps in trees or buildings where they’re more likely to be exposed to side winds.

It’s also important to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and are able to handle heavy rain and strong winds.

Essential checks include ensuring the tyres have adequate tread depth and are properly inflated, windscreen wipers are fully clearing the screen, brake pads and batteries are fully operational and the correct lights are on and working properly.

It’s illegal not to turn your lights on in bad weather when visibility is poor and drivers could face a 12-month ban and £1000 fine. It’s also important to know which light should be used when the weather starts to deteriorate.

Know Your Lights in bad weather:

Headlights – when visibility is reduced

Daytime running lights – activate rear set of lights in poor visibility

Dipped headlights – in dull daytime weather or heavy rain

Fog lights – in foggy conditions so drivers can spot you at a distance

Automatic lights – if these come as standard in your vehicle, double check they are activated in bad weather, as they may not come on automatically in certain conditions such as fog

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “With heavy rainfall and strong winds expected across the country, we’re urging drivers to take a proactive approach to safety.

“Before getting behind the wheel it’s crucial to carry out a few checks to ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Checking tyre pressure, tread depth, lights, and wipers can make a significant difference in how your car handles adverse weather.

“Many motorists underestimate the impact of weather on driving conditions and failing to adapt your driving style to the conditions can have serious consequences.

“It’s important to reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and be vigilant for potential hazards like flooding and debris.

“Drivers should also check what type of insurance they have – while most comprehensive car insurance policies cover storm damage, motorists who have taken out third-party only or third-party, fire and theft insurance won’t normally be covered.

“Also, drivers who actively drive through flood water are likely to invalidate their insurance and lose protection for any damage – given it was an avoidable situation, and the driver has a duty to safeguard the vehicle.”

Quotezone’s tips for driving in stormy weather:

  1. Check your car is roadworthy

Before setting off in stormy conditions, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for the journey. The essential checks include ensuring the tyre tread depth meets the legal requirements and that the tyres are properly inflated to provide maximum traction on wet roads. It’s also important to make sure that all lights and wipers are functioning correctly, as visibility can be drastically reduced in heavy rain.

  1. Reduce speed

Drivers need to reduce speed to improve vehicle control and allow themselves time to react in unexpected situations such as sudden stops or fallen trees on the road. This is because the stopping distances double on wet roads due to the reduced grip that tyres have on the water.

  1. Increase distances

It’s important to leave a larger gap between your vehicle and the one in front to give yourself ample time to react in case the car ahead stops suddenly.  Aim for at least a four-second gap in wet conditions, and consider increasing it further during heavy rain or when visibility is limited.

  1. Don’t drive through a flood

Flooded roads pose significant risks, including the possibility of losing control, stalling or damaging the engine. Even shallow water can conceal hazards like deep potholes or debris.  Also, most car insurance policies won’t cover you for damage if you drive through flooded water.

  1. Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel

Strong winds can make it difficult to maintain control of your vehicle, especially when driving through open areas where you’re more exposed to side winds. A firm grip on the steering wheel helps you react quickly to unexpected gusts of wind.

  1. Beware of aquaplaning

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing the vehicle to lose traction and making it difficult to steer and brake. If you feel the steering becomes lighter or the car begins to slide, ease off the accelerator, don’t brake and allow your car to slow down naturally.

  1. Use the right light

In heavy rain or poor visibility, it’s important to double check your lights are on, dipped headlights allow other drivers to see you more easily. They’ll be seen from a much greater distance than sidelights and they won’t dazzle other drivers or pedestrians.

Quotezone helps millions of drivers right across the UK find essential savings and better insurance across a whole range of products such as car, van and motorbike insurance. 

Record number of Excellent Bathing Waters in Scotland for 2025

In 2025 the highest number of Scotland’s bathing waters on record will meet the best environmental standards, with 87% achieving classifications of Excellent or Good. A further 10% will meet the Sufficient standard.

This reflects an ongoing positive trend for Scottish bathing water quality over the past decade since classifications were first reported against new Regulations in 2015. In 2015 there were 84 designated bathing waters, of which 17 were Excellent.

For the year ahead, Scotland will have 89 designated bathing waters, of which 50 are Excellent.

As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) routinely analyse water quality at all of Scotland’s 89 designated bathing water sites during the summer months to protect human health.

In tandem with environmental monitoring, SEPA work with operators and stakeholders across the country to direct action, including millions of pounds of investment, to improve bathing water quality.

For the 2025 bathing season Scotland’s bathing water classifications will be: 

50 (56.18%) Excellent
27 (30.34%) Good
9 (10.11%) Sufficient
3 (3.37%) Poor

Classifications are calculated at the end of the bathing water season using data from the previous four years. They apply to bathing waters for the duration of the following season.

Ruth Stidson, Principal Scientist for Bathing Waters at SEPA, said: “The highest number of Scotland’s bathing waters rated Excellent or Good for 2025 represents tangible improvements following more than a decade of targeted investment and ongoing work with Scottish Water, land managers and stakeholders to improve our water environment.

“Scotland’s bathing waters monitoring programme has significantly expanded since it began in 1988 and has helped identify pollution issues so crucial improvement measures can be implemented and pollution reduced at the source.

“Protecting and improving our bathing waters is crucial for water users, local economies, and communities. While we celebrate the improvements made so far, we are not complacent. We will continue our work to ensure these improvements are sustained and where necessary further improvements are made, so people can enjoy our bathing waters now and in the future.”

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “I am pleased to see an increase in the number of our bathing waters achieving the highest classification for bathing water quality, with 87% achieving Good or Excellent water quality status.

“We continue to see the benefits of our continued investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across the country, and targeted work in priority catchments.

“However, there is still work to do to ensure that all designated bathing waters meet the required standards. We want to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy our bathing waters, which is why we continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality.”

Reducing rural diffuse pollution – a success story for Scotland

SEPA’s ongoing work with Scotland’s farming community to reduce the risk of water pollution from rural diffuse pollution has contributed to improvements in bathing water classifications over the past decade.

This has been particularly apparent in regions such as Ayrshire, where improvements required by SEPA have included increased slurry storage, fencing, alternative sources of livestock watering, and the planting of riparian “buffer zones” to move farming activities back from watercourses. Many of these measures have been supported by Scottish Government funding.

Some of these improvements take time to translate into water quality improvement, however quantifiable improvements to the water environment are now being evidenced through water sampling data in recent years.

Stephen Field, National Rural Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “Since 2012, SEPA have worked with land managers across 14 priority catchments where rural diffuse pollution was impacting bathing water, providing regulatory advice and requiring improvements in livestock and slurry management.

“Many rural land managers have since implemented measures over and above minimum regulatory requirements to address pollution issues arising from their farming activities. As a result, we’re seeing increasing evidence of bathing water quality improvements in these catchments.

“We’ll continue to engage with land managers and other relevant parties within the priority catchments to promote the importance of maintaining regulatory compliance to ensure bathing waters are maintained at a high standard.”

Tackling further impacts on Scotland’s bathing waters

Over the past decade, SEPA have ensured Scottish Water investment has been targeted to drive major improvements in water quality at locations that were not meeting the Sufficient standard.

Ayr (South Beach), which has now achieved four successive Good classifications after many years of Poor classification, has benefitted from significant sewerage system upgrades delivered by Scottish Water alongside investment by Scottish Government and the farming community to reduce rural diffuse pollution.

Microbial DNA source tracking analysis tools developed by SEPA has confirmed that bacteria from dog fouling and from gulls can also pollute our bathing waters.

Visitors can reduce this by picking up after their dog and not feeding gulls – human food is unhealthy for them and encourages unnatural behaviours.

Finally, our Scottish climate impacts water quality. Heavy rain can wash contaminants off both rural and urban land, together with overflows from sewage systems in affected areas. As such, bathing is not advised during, or 1-2 days after, heavy rainfall due to the risk to bathers’ health from short term water pollution.

At 30 bathing waters, SEPA make daily water quality predictions and display these online and on electronic signs at beach locations.

Three bathing waters will have a Poor classification in 2025; Kinghorn (Harbour Beach), Lower Largo and Fisherrow Sands. SEPA are creating and implementing improvement plans at all these sites.

At Lower Largo, Scottish Water has had an on-going programme of work since the bathing water was designated for 2022 to understand the impact of their wastewater systems and identify improvements required.

At Kinghorn (Harbour Beach), SEPA are working with operators and businesses to reduce pollution in the Kinghorn Burn which discharges into the bathing water, while at Fisherrow, SEPA are considering appropriate next steps after a single high result this summer skewed the classification to Poor this season.

Full list of 2025 classifications 

  • Aberdeen – Excellent
  • Aberdour (Silversands) – Excellent
  • Aberdour Harbour (Black Sands) – Excellent
  • Achmelvich – Excellent
  • Anstruther (Billow Ness) – Excellent
  • Arbroath (West Links) – Good
  • Ayr (South Beach) – Good
  • Balmedie – Excellent
  • Barassie – Good
  • Brighouse Bay – Good
  • Broad Sands – Good
  • Broughty Ferry – Excellent
  • Burntisland – Good
  • Carnoustie – Excellent
  • Carrick – Excellent
  • Coldingham – Excellent
  • Collieston – Good
  • Crail (Roome Bay) – Excellent
  • Cruden Bay – Excellent
  • Cullen Bay – Excellent
  • Culzean – Excellent
  • Dhoon Bay – Sufficient
  • Dores – Good
  • Dornoch – Excellent
  • Dunbar (Belhaven) – Sufficient
  • Dunbar (East) – Good
  • Dunnet – Excellent
  • Elie (Harbour) and Earlsferry – Excellent
  • Elie (Ruby Bay) – Excellent
  • Ettrick Bay – Excellent
  • Eyemouth – Sufficient
  • Findhorn – Excellent
  • Fisherrow Sands – Poor
  • Fraserburgh (Philorth) – Excellent
  • Fraserburgh (Tiger Hill) – Good
  • Gairloch Beach – Excellent
  • Ganavan – Excellent
  • Girvan – Sufficient
  • Gullane – Excellent
  • Heads of Ayr – Good
  • Inverboyndie – Good
  • Irvine – Excellent
  • Kinghorn (Harbour Beach) – Poor
  • Kinghorn (Pettycur) – Good
  • Kingsbarns – Excellent
  • Kirkcaldy (Seafield) – Excellent
  • Largs (Pencil Beach) – Excellent
  • Leven – Good
  • Loch Morlich – Excellent
  • Longniddry – Good
  • Lossiemouth (East) – Excellent
  • Lower Largo – Poor
  • Lunan Bay – Excellent
  • Lunderston Bay – Good
  • Luss Bay – Sufficient
  • Machrihanish – Excellent
  • Maidens – Sufficient
  • Millport Bay – Excellent
  • Monifieth – Excellent
  • Montrose – Excellent
  • Mossyard – Excellent 
  • Nairn (Central) Good
  • Nairn (East) – Good
  • North Berwick (Milsey Bay) – Good
  • North Berwick (West) – Good
  • Pease Bay – Excellent
  • Peterhead (Lido) – Excellent
  • Portobello (Central) – Sufficient
  • Portobello (West) – Sufficient
  • Prestwick – Excellent
  • Rockcliffe – Good
  • Rosehearty – Excellent
  • Rosemarkie – Excellent
  • Saltcoats/Ardrossan – Excellent
  • Sand Beach – Excellent
  • Sandyhills – Good
  • Seacliff – Excellent
  • Seamill – Excellent
  • Seton Sands – Good
  • Southerness – Good
  • St Andrews (East Sands) – Excellent
  • St Andrews (West Sands) – Good
  • Stonehaven – Good
  • Thorntonloch – Excellent
  • Thurso – Good
  • Troon (South Beach) – Excellent
  • Wardie Bay – Excellent
  • Whitesands – Excellent
  • Yellow Craig – Sufficient

Police issue travel advice ahead of Storm Ashley

The Met Office has issued an Amber warning for wind across parts of western and northern Scotland. The warning is in place between 9am on Sunday, 20 October, and 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.

The following areas are expected to be affected by the Amber warning:

  • Highlands and Eilean Siar (Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar)
  • Strathclyde (Argyll and Bute)

A Yellow warning for wind affecting much of Scotland is also in place between 3am on Sunday, 20 October, and 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.

The following areas are expected to be affected by the Yellow warning:

  • Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling)
  • Grampian (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray)
  • Highlands & Eilean Siar (Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar)
  • Orkney & Shetland (Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands)
  • SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian)
  • Strathclyde (Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire)

Further information about the weather warnings and flood information is available on the Met Office and SEPA websites.

Those in amber alert areas may experience power outtages. For advice, visit Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks – https://www.ssen.co.uk/news-views/2024/SSEN-Weather-Warning-ahead-of-strong-winds-forecast-for-the-north-of-Scotland/

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “The amber warning for high winds means that there is a strong likelihood of disruption on the road network and as such, motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible.

“Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.

“Please do not ignore any road signage advising of changes to speed or closures to routes. These are in place for your safety and the safety of other road users and listen out for media broadcasts about the weather and how it may be impacting travel.

“Further information of the weather and road closures can be found by visiting the Met Office, Ready Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites and social media accounts.”

General advice for road users:

  • Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
  • All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
  • Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
  • If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
  • Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
  • Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
  • Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
  • Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
  • Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
  • Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, X or their website
  • Other information can be found on the Met Office and Ready Scotland websites. For public transport information visit www.travelinescotland.com
  • Follow @trafficscotland on X for up-to-date travel information.

Wind

HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.

Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.

Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.

Seafield reimagined

Vision for new coastal neighbourhood

A masterplan to transform Seafield in north-east Edinburgh into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood, was published yesterday by the Council.

The masterplan will also connect its coastline to the surrounding communities in Leith, Portobello and Craigentinny.

Currently, the area is primarily made up of car showrooms, trades, light industry as well as Lothian Buses’ Marine Depot and the Council’s Seafield Household Waste Recycling Centre. The draft ‘Seafield Place Brief’ and ‘Draft Seafield Masterplan’ have been produced to add detail to the allocation in the Council’s local development plan, City Plan 2030, as one of 44 pieces of land across Edinburgh allocated as an ‘Opportunity Site’ for development.

Planning Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: “Our draft plan focuses on the creation of a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood at Seafield to help address the city’s housing emergency.

“Options for higher density flats, with the clear aim of 35% of homes on site being affordable, are being explored with stunning views across the Firth of Forth alongside excellent community facilities.

“We’re estimating the site could potentially deliver as many as 2,700 homes with a range of other styles of housing such as colonies and townhouses. We’ll also make sure there are opportunities for employment and community uses.

“Our bold vision to transform this area would open up the Seafield section of Edinburgh’s coastline creating an attractive and seamless promenade linking to the waterfront communities that already exist on either side.

“I’d like to thank the local people and businesses whose views have helped get us to this stage and I look forward to receiving further feedback from the upcoming consultation to help us finalise our plans.”

A new primary school, GP surgery and plenty of green space are also proposed for Seafield as well as a Waterfront Park.  Improved public transport, walking, cycling and wheeling routes linking to the wider area are also included. The provision of a heat network to help the city with its net zero target is planned. This would also help to keep utility bills down for future residents.

The area under consideration stretches from Seafield Street in the north to King’s Road in the south. The eastern boundary of the site is the Forth Estuary, while the western boundary is defined by a railway line and by Seafield Recreation Area. Seafield Road East, part of the A199, runs through much of the site. As Seafield is a coastal area, work is also ongoing with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to make sure we mitigate against any future flood risk.

If approved for consultation by the Planning Committee next week, residents, businesses and other organisations interested in the area will be asked to give their views on the ‘Draft Seafield Place Brief’ and ‘Draft Seafield Masterplan’, developed following extensive consultation with local people and businesses.

You can watch next week’s meeting on the council website.  

Portobello Central bathing water samples show NO RISK to public

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have updated their advice on bathing at Portobello Central after the latest water quality samples showed no risk to the public.

Results of a sample taken at Portobello Central bathing water on Thursday, 11th July showed water quality had returned to satisfactory levels and signage advising against bathing will be removed.

Signage was changed on Wednesday, 10th July to advise against bathing as a precautionary measure after analysis of routine samples indicated a high bacterial result. SEPA liaised closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Water.

A spokesperson for SEPA said: “Following visual checks of the beach and water sampling by our officers, SEPA have confirmed there is no impact on water quality at Portobello Central bathing water and will remove the signs advising against bathing.

“Water sampling will continue to take place throughout the bathing season as part of routine testing.

“We continue to work with our partners to improve Scotland’s water environment and make our summer visits to the beach safer and more enjoyable.”

VIBES 2024 finalists announced

37 Scottish businesses, championing the link between economic success and environmental sustainability, have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2024 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards. 

Recognised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other leading environmental and business agencies for their innovative environmental action, these sustainable Scottish companies are working to reduce pressure on the planet’s resources and accelerate action towards net zero. 

From a competitive field of entries, the top finalists have been selected across industries ranging from life sciences, transport, food and drink and construction. 

Over the last 25 years, the VIBES awards have been celebrating the efforts of Scottish companies and recognising the efforts of those businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption of its resources. 

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “For 25 years, the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards have showcased the best of Scottish sustainable business and this year we’re excited to see that businesses continue to drive change and deliver environmental excellence. 

“As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation. 

“Now more than ever, Scottish consumers are looking to business leaders to take meaningful action and we’re seeing more and more businesses and organisations recognising that environmental innovation and best practice can also bring economic opportunities and benefits.” 

A panel of judges, bringing expertise on sustainability and innovation from across the business and public sectors, reviewed entries and selected the finalists for each of the 11 award categories, which include celebrating small and large businesses, product innovation and inclusivity.  

This year, the awards have been supported by STV’s Green Fund to attract businesses from across the whole of Scotland, making the awards as inclusive as possible by encouraging businesses of all sizes and across a range of industries to apply. 

Anthony Polydorou, Business Development Director at STV, said: “In today’s business landscape championing sustainability is more vital than ever. As part of our ongoing media partnership with the VIBES Awards, we helped to reach businesses, no matter their size or location, across Scotland and the finalists reflect those leading the way in positive environmental practises. 

“The STV Green Fund was created to support Scottish businesses doing great things for the environment, making our collaboration with VIBES on this award an easy decision for us. Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees this year.” 

SEPA’s Chair, Lisa Tennant, will make the final decision alongside Robbie Kernahan, Director Green Economy, Nature Scot and Ian Gulland, CEO Zero Waste Scotland on the Head Judging Panel. To help make this tough decision, the finalists will host site visits and be interviewed, with winners announced at the awards ceremony in November.  

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, delivered by SEPA, are a partnership between multiple organisations including the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and Zero Waste Scotland. 

VIBES is also supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors (IoD), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Bright Green Business, Scottish Council for Development and Industry and the Scotch Whisky Association.

Find out more information about the awards on the VIBES website.

Full list of finalists for the 2024 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best Large Business 

  • Concentrix 
  • George Leslie 
  • R Biopharm Rhone
  • Robertson Group 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best Medium Business 

  • Lisini Pub Company Limited 
  • SWG3 
  • The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best Small Business 

  • Arbikie Distilling Ltd 
  • Kirsty Maguire Architects 
  • Shetland Seabird Tours 

Vision in Business Scotland – Best New Business 

  • Dornie Croft 
  • Netzero Facades Limited 
  • The Highland Weigh 
  • The Tartan Label Limited 

Product Scotland 

  • CCL Logistics and Technology Ltd 
  • Leiths (Scotland) Ltd 
  • Sisaltech Ltd 

Service Scotland 

  • CCL Logistics and Technology Ltd 
  • Edinburgh Remakery 
  • Moock Environmental Solutions Ltd 
  • Perigon Partners LTD

Circular Scotland 

  • ACS CLOTHING LTD. 
  • Britton Manufacturing Ltd 
  • KR Group (Scotland) 
  • Reposit 

Just Transition Scotland 

  • Building Futures Galloway Ltd 
  • Kirsty Maguire Architects 
  • The Way Forward 2045 

Sustainable Transport Scotland 

  • CCL Logistics and Technology Ltd 
  • Robertson Group 

Energy Transition Scotland 

  • Port of Aberdeen  
  • Robertson Group 
  • We hae meat Ltd

Nature Rich Scotland 

  • Fife Golf Trust 
  • Forest Carbon
  • Maorach Beag – Scottish Shellfish
  • Suntory Global Spirits UK 

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. 

Clear science inspiring the next generation of citizen scientists on Clean Air Day

This Clean Air Day, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are supporting a day of learning where young people will be encouraged to lead change, tackle air pollution and protect the future of our environment through science.

Over 300 pupils were invited to a special event at the Glasgow Science Centre yesterday (Thursday, 20th June 2024) to celebrate the schools that have taken part in the “Our Amazing Air” Learning Lab programme run by the science centre in partnership with SEPA.

Young people visiting the centre on Clean Air Day enjoyed a range of themed activities including interactive exhibits and experiments, talks with experts from SEPA, University of Strathclyde and Nooku, and a brand new Our Amazing Air science show, which will run to the end of August as part of the centre’s public programme.

Launched in 2022, the Our Amazing Air programme is a STEM learning initiative aimed at P5 – P7 pupils that teaches young people about the importance of clean air, how the air environment functions, and the effects of air pollution on our health and the environment.

The programme includes training sessions and free lesson plans for teachers so they can support their learners to explore the air around us and investigate how it supports life through hands-on activities, group discussions and experiments. A total of 1200 pupils from 50 classes are taking part in the learning lab this term.

Dr Colin Gillespie, SEPA’s Air Modelling Unit Manager, said: “Good air quality is essential for a good quality of life, helping maintain our health and wellbeing and our climate and habitats. Everyone has a part to play in helping to improve air quality and tackle pollution – and education is a vital part of this.  

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people engaging with issues surrounding air quality and inspiring to see them turn these learnings into positive actions that will make a real difference to communities and our environment. 

“Clean Air Day gives everyone an important opportunity to consider how we can change or adapt our behaviour to improve the quality of our air and spread the positive message about the benefits of clean air.”

Tara Gibson, Senior Learning Coordinator at Glasgow Science Centre, said: “Our Clear Air Day activities have been made possible thanks to our partners ICLEI, University of Strathclyde and SEPA, resulting in us delivering a great programme of workshops and shows for hundreds of school pupils to take part in.

“The day’s events also allow us to showcase the wide range of engaging and accessible resources and experiences available to schools through our Learning Lab programmes.”

Tackling air pollution and raising awareness 

While air quality in Scotland has significantly improved over the past three decades, air pollution still poses a significant risk to our environment and wellbeing.

Air pollution is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the biggest environmental threat to our health, with recent scientific evidence from the WHO supporting the development of more stringent guidelines for air pollutants due to the impacts on human health. 

Children are particularly at risk due to their developing lungs, brains and immune systems, yet millions across the UK are still exposed to dangerously high levels of air pollution at home and at school, where traffic and idle vehicles at the school gates can be a real concern.

Coordinated by environmental charity Global Action Plan, Clean Air Day is a national air quality campaign that brings together communities, schools, businesses, local authorities and other organisations across the UK to address the issue and build awareness of the impact of air pollution.  

Now in its eighth year, this year’s campaign is focused on promoting greener travel to reduce localised air pollution and ensure people have the option to travel in ways that are better for our health and the planet.

Clear Science for Clean Air 

Alongside the Our Amazing Air event, SEPA’s air quality scientists also visited a school in North Lanarkshire this week to celebrate Clean Air Day with pupils and share the results from monitoring air quality around the school gates. 

Working together with East Renfrewshire and North Lanarkshire local authorities, SEPA have issued sensors to eight primary schools over the past few months to monitor the air quality, investigate the data produced and support teachers and pupils with initiatives such as encouraging active travel on the school run. 

SEPA staff returned to St Brendan’s Primary School in Motherwell on Wednesday, 19th June to present pupils with their findings, which revealed elevated levels of air pollution in the area, particularly at drop off and pick up times. 

The information gathered will support the ongoing anti-idling campaign championed by pupils at both St Brendan’s and Muirhouse Primary Schools, with youngsters aiming to reduce the number of vehicles at the school gates to cut down on localised air pollution.

Dr Colin Gillespie added: “It is encouraging to see young children keen to see the data produced from the air pollution monitors outside their schools and proactively lead change in their local communities. 

“Making this information transparent and available to all allows young people and their families to make decisions on their behaviours and day-to-day activities which can have a positive impact on air quality, the wider environment and their health. 

“With a long history of supporting air quality around schools in Scotland, we really recognise the importance of clean air, especially on young lungs, and promoting the fact that we’ve all got a part to play in protecting and inspiring the next generation of citizen scientists.”

Check the weather, check the water urges SEPA

Water quality information at your fingertips as Scotland’s bathing waters season begins

  • 98% of Scotland’s designated bathing waters meet water quality standards.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are encouraging visitors to “check the weather, check the water” via SEPA’s bathing waters website before heading to one of the country’s designated bathing waters this season.

Scotland has 89 designated bathing waters around the country, from Dunnet in Caithness to Brighouse Bay in Kirkcudbright, and 98% will meet or exceed the Sufficient classification for 2024, with 84% achieving the higher standards of Excellent or Good. 

Last year Scotland started the season with the highest number of bathing waters ever, after the designation of Wardie Bay in Edinburgh and the re-designation of Fisherrow Sands in East Lothian. In 2024 the country starts with the best water quality on record as both begin the season rated as ‘Good’.

The full list of bathing water classifications is available on SEPA’s website.

Check the water

The season begins on the 1st of June and runs until the 15th of September. During this time, SEPA’s specialist teams will be checking the water by collecting and analysing around 1,500 water samples from all designated bathing waters. These provide regular water quality information which is published on online.

The results also form part of the four-year rolling data set that determines the classification for each bathing water every season.

SEPA’s website and electronic messaging signs, which operate at 30 bathing waters, are updated at 10am every day with real-time water quality predictions. Although generally of a high quality, the bathing waters can be affected by heavy rain and results can be accessed at sepa.org.uk/checkthewater so people can check before they travel.

SEPA can also make people aware of any abnormal pollution events that may impact water quality via this page, as well as using the network of electronic signs and physical signs posted by local authorities and other partners at all other beaches.

Check the weather

While sunny weather always draws more people to bathing waters, it’s important to not just check the weather on the day you go. It is recommended that users do not bathe for one to two days after heavy rain – and beaches with SEPA electronic signs will warn against bathing when poor water is predicted.

Our climate impacts on water quality, and heavy rain can wash contaminants off both rural and urban land and can cause overflows from sewage systems. These overflows prevent systems being overwhelmed with rainwater and backing up into homes and businesses.

Altogether the combination of water quality predictions and information about abnormal pollution events shared by SEPA, plus awareness of recent rainfall events and the potential impact allows people to check the water at any bathing water they plan to visit to make an informed decision whether to bathe or enjoy on-land activities.

Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s Principal Scientist for bathing waters, said: “Scotland has the highest ever number of designated bathing waters, with the best water quality since 2015, when tighter standards first came into force.

“We know there’s many physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors and beaches can offer great spaces for that. They are regularly used by coastal communities, as well as by groups for water-based activities. Scotland has a mixture of urban and rural bathing waters, and many are accessible by walking or public transport, often making them a budget-friendly option. Visitors often plan a whole day around being at the water, which can also benefit local economies.

“We encourage everyone planning to visit our beautiful bathing waters this summer to check the weather, check the water before they leave for their day out and ensure they have the best information possible to enjoy their time in our stunning Scottish environment.”

Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy said: “We now have the highest number of designated Bathing Water sites ever, with 98% of Scotland’s bathing waters currently achieving the bathing water quality standards and 84% being rated “good” or “excellent”.

“However, we are not complacent and we continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality on our designated beaches and in our designated lochs.

“We want to ensure that as many people as possible are able to continue to safely enjoy them throughout this summer and beyond and I would encourage everyone to make use of SEPA’s resources and information to help make an informed decision about where and when to bathe.”

Protecting and improving water quality

SEPA’s monitoring data provides crucial evidence to drive investment and improvement in both rural and urban areas. We regulate and work with businesses, farmers and land managers across the country protect and improve water quality. This approach will continue to deliver real progress in the coming years for the future of our water environment.

Communities and visitors can help to protect our water environment, including beaches and bathing waters.

Visitors are encouraged to bag and bin dog poo, bin litter or take it away, and avoid feeding gulls as that can attract them to areas in higher numbers.

Every year Scottish Water teams deal with around 36,000 blockages, costing customers about £7 million annually, and around 80% of those are caused by people flushing the wrong items down the toilet – particularly wet wipes – or pouring fats, oil and grease down the sink. These meld to cause blockages in the sewer system and can contribute to spills of pollution into the environment.

Professor Simon Parsons, Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance at Scottish Water said: “We would echo SEPA’s call for people to check the weather and the water before swimming at a designated bathing water.

“Scottish Water is committed to continuing to support the protection and improvement of Scotland’s rivers and coastal waters and we are very pleased that almost all bathing waters meet or exceed the “sufficient” classification and that 84% are “excellent” or “good”.

“We check almost 500 of our assets before and during the bathing season to ensure they are delivering the level of service we expect.

“We look forward to playing our part in ensuring bathing waters become destinations for people to enjoy Scotland’s fantastic coastal waters. 

“Scottish Water has invested £2.7 billion in improving and maintaining the country’s public drainage system and infrastructure over more than the past decade to help improve our waters.

“Our Improving Urban Waters Routemap, which supports the national River Basin Management Plan objectives (92% good water quality by 2027), commits us to additional investment of up to £500m to further improve water quality.”

Full list of 2023/24 classifications

  • Aberdeen – Excellent
  • Aberdour (Silversands) – Excellent
  • Aberdour Harbour (Black Sands) – Good
  • Achmelvich – Excellent
  • Anstruther (Billow Ness) – Excellent
  • Arbroath (West Links) – Good
  • Ayr (South Beach) – Good
  • Balmedie – Excellent
  • Barassie – Good
  • Brighouse Bay – Good
  • Broad Sands – Good
  • Broughty Ferry – Excellent
  • Burntisland – Good
  • Carnoustie – Excellent
  • Carrick – Good
  • Coldingham – Excellent
  • Collieston – Good
  • Crail (Roome Bay) – Excellent
  • Cruden Bay – Excellent
  • Cullen Bay – Excellent
  • Culzean – Excellent
  • Dhoon Bay – Sufficient
  • Dores – Sufficient
  • Dornoch – Excellent
  • Dunbar (Belhaven) – Sufficient
  • Dunbar (East) – Good
  • Dunnet – Excellent
  • Elie (Harbour) and Earlsferry – Excellent
  • Elie (Ruby Bay) – Excellent
  • Ettrick Bay – Good
  • Eyemouth – Sufficient
  • Findhorn – Excellent
  • Fisherrow Sands – Good
  • Fraserburgh (Philorth) – Excellent
  • Fraserburgh (Tiger Hill) – Good
  • Gairloch Beach – Excellent
  • Ganavan – Excellent
  • Girvan – Sufficient
  • Gullane – Excellent
  • Heads of Ayr – Good
  • Inverboyndie – Good
  • Irvine – Good
  • Kinghorn (Harbour Beach) – Poor
  • Kinghorn (Pettycur) – Good
  • Kingsbarns – Excellent
  • Kirkcaldy (Seafield) – Excellent
  • Largs (Pencil Beach) – Good
  • Leven – Sufficient
  • Loch Morlich – Excellent
  • Longniddry – Good
  • Lossiemouth (East) – Good
  • Lower Largo – Poor
  • Lunan Bay – Excellent
  • Lunderston Bay – Good
  • Luss Bay – Sufficient
  • Machrihanish – Excellent
  • Maidens – Sufficient
  • Millport Bay – Excellent
  • Monifieth – Good
  • Montrose – Excellent
  • Mossyard – Good 
  • Nairn (Central) Good
  • Nairn (East) – Good
  • North Berwick (Milsey Bay) – Sufficient
  • North Berwick (West) – Excellent
  • Pease Bay – Excellent
  • Peterhead (Lido) – Excellent
  • Portobello (Central) – Sufficient
  • Portobello (West) – Sufficient
  • Prestwick – Excellent
  • Rockcliffe – Good
  • Rosehearty – Good
  • Rosemarkie – Good
  • Saltcoats/Ardrossan – Good
  • Sand Beach – Excellent
  • Sandyhills – Good
  • Seacliff – Good
  • Seamill – Good
  • Seton Sands – Good
  • Southerness – Good
  • St Andrews (East Sands) – Excellent
  • St Andrews (West Sands) – Excellent
  • Stonehaven – Good
  • Thorntonloch – Excellent
  • Thurso – Good
  • Troon (South Beach) – Excellent
  • Wardie Bay – Good
  • Whitesands – Excellent
  • Yellow Craig – Sufficient

Environmental DNA offers a potentially powerful new tool for assessing nature in Scotland

The key to assessing Scotland’s ecological health and supporting nature conservation could lie in the analysis of environmental DNA, scientists have found. 

Recent research, directed and supported by organisations including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), NatureScot, and the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, and delivered by NatureMetrics, showed how studying traces of genetic material found in the environment can help inform efforts to tackle the ecological crisis. 

The collaborative project aimed to test the effectiveness of environmental DNA analysis as a practical tool for biological monitoring programmes and biodiversity reporting purposes across a wide variety of habitats in Scotland. 

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is genetic material present in the environment, such as in water, soil, or air. eDNA can be traced from shed cells, bodily fluids, or biological secretions deposited by animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. 

The main report showed eDNA analysis can be used to detect, identify, and map the distribution of many different species, including important threatened and invasive species, simultaneously – without directly observing or collecting them. 

Dr Pauline Lang, Lead Project Partner and Research Contract Manager for SEPA, said: “Using eDNA methods can help us increase monitoring coverage and get a more holistic picture of nature – to better understand the diversity of life across Scotland and target changes needed to help protect and improve our environment. 

“While conventional habitat monitoring requires a wide variety of survey techniques, expertise, and resources, eDNA-based monitoring employs relatively simple field sampling methods that can be applied to different habitats.” 

Monitoring biodiversity across different habitats 

The study was conducted across Scotland, with eDNA samples taken from sites including Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Cairngorms National Park. 

During one sampling survey conducted as part of the project, researchers detected nearly 9,000 different species present in 358 eDNA samples collected from four habitat types in Scotland: marine lochs, freshwater lochs, woodlands, and peatlands. 

They were able to identify differences in biological communities associated with distinct habitat conditions, and therefore classify sites based on their condition by eDNA testing alone. 

The classification for freshwater lochs using fish and invertebrate eDNA showed encouraging results, as did sampling fungal eDNA to assess woodland soil condition. 

The report recommends studying eDNA in more undisturbed habitats to measure environmental quality, determining the minimum number of samples to be collected for different monitoring objectives, and establishing standard guidelines for producing, storing, and using eDNA data. 

Dr Iveta Matejusova, Environmental Genomics Group Leader for The Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate and Project Partner, said: “eDNA offers a valuable insight into the biodiversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This study provides further demonstration of its potential applications, for example to assess the health of seabed habitats. 

“We are pleased to see the progress made on determining the minimum number of samples to be collected for different monitoring objectives and we are excited to start building on and incorporating these findings into our monitoring and reporting frameworks.”  

Prof Colin Bean, NatureScot’s Senior Policy and Advice Manager for Fish and Fisheries and Project Partner, said: “This research clearly demonstrates the advantages of using eDNA to screen ecological health and monitor biodiversity. 

“It should provide valuable insights on how to use this technology to assess Scotland’s habitats in future years – in turn, helping us tackle the nature-climate crises.”