New statistics reveal that Scotland recycled less and sent more waste to incineration in 2021 than 2018. SEPA did not publish complete datasets for 2019 or 2020 because of the cyber-attack on the organisation.
The total amount of waste fell, probably in response to the fall in economic activity during the pandemic.
Waste statistics published today (28 March) by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) show that in 2021:
+ The total amount of waste generated in Scotland was 9.6 million tonnes;
+ 56% of this waste was recycled, a fall from 2018 when 60% of waste recycled;
+ This reduction means almost 1.5 million tonnes less of Scottish waste was recycled;
+ Incineration rose 14.6% compared to 2019 and the amount of waste burned tripled over 10 years
+ The amount of waste sent to landfill also increased by 0.4% from 2019.
Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “This is the first time in three years that we have seen a snapshot of Scotland’s waste trends and the picture is extremely concerning.
“A fall in economic activity in the pandemic may have led to a short term drop in the amount of waste Scotland produces but this is likely to rise again once activity resumes.
“Despite the pandemic reducing overall waste levels, the amount of waste burned continues to rise and has tripled in just ten years. The moratorium on new incineration was a vital first step to reverse this trend but these statistics show it is not enough and must now be backed up with a ban on burning plastics and a phase out plan for existing incinerators. However, rather than closing incinerators, projects which already had planning permission are allowed to start operating and are receiving funding. This needs to stop now.
“Scotland must transform the way it uses materials and waste less to reduce our impact on the planet. It’s vital more is done to prevent valuable reusable or recyclable materials burning in incinerators or ending up in landfill. Ensuring waste is not created in the first place is the best way to reduce its environmental impacts, and if waste is created, we must recycle as much of it as possible.”
The Scottish Government published the second and final part of its independent review on incineration in February 2023. The review recommended that the Scottish Government should introduce a ban on burning plastics by 2030. The Scottish Government has not yet responded to these recommendations.
The NESS incinerator in Aberdeen was given Scottish Government funding in November 2022, six months after the first independent review on incineration was published. Despite construction problems and local communities voicing concern, the NESS incinerator begun burning waste in 2023.
Earlier this month it was revealed that, rather than treating the toxic bottom ash produced by the incinerator locally as planned, the operators are sending it over 100 miles to Fife.
Entries open for 2023 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards
Environmental trailblazers from Scotland’s business community are being invited to showcase the link between environmental and economic success by entering the 25th annual VIBES awards this spring.
Open to businesses large and small across the country, the awards recognise those who champion sustainability by reducing pressure on the planet’s resources and winning schemes focused on everything from accelerating action towards net zero, embracing circularity and increasing biodiversity.
Officially launched by SEPA CEO Nicole Paterson at an event in the capital on Wednesday 1 March, the 2023 awards will feature three new categories: the Just Transition Scotland Award, the Vision in Business Scotland Award and the STV Green Fund Award, with a £30K campaign partnership with STV up for grabs.
Other categories include the Product Scotland Award, Service Scotland Award, Circular Scotland Award, Sustainable Transport Scotland Award and Nature Rich Scotland Award.
Nicole Paterson, SEPA CEO said: “Thriving, successful and sustainable Scottish businesses will be those that recognise the link between environmental and economic prosperity, and with record breaking entries to last year’s VIBES awards, it’s clear that Scottish businesses agree.
“The journey towards sustainability is a challenging but necessary one and I, like many others, have been encouraged and inspired by the commitment and action from VIBES winners over the years.
“We saw energy efficient businesses charge ahead at the 2022 awards and I’m sure this year’s entrants will once again demonstrate effective solutions to some of our biggest challenges.”
The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards is a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.
This year’s judging panel includes Franceska van Dijk, Deputy Chair, SEPA, Robbie Kernahan is Director for Green Economy at NatureScot, and Jane Morrison-Ross, CEO, South of Scotland Enterprise.
Businesses have until 5pm on 14 April 2023 to submit their free application. Finalists will be announced in May before the annual awards ceremony in November.
For more information on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, please visit www.vibes.org.uk.
Communities across Scotland will be able to prepare and take action sooner to protect themselves from flooding as a new three-day Scottish Flood Forecast launches.
Developed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.
In addition, the colour coded map on SEPA’s website describes the potential impacts on communities and links to advice and information on what protective action people can take if required. It also offers reassurance when significant flooding is not expected.
The Scottish Flood Forecast was developed following extensive research involving the public, community flood groups, emergency responders, partner organisations and both SEPA and Met Office employees. Feedback from more than 200 users was also gathered during a trial phase from May last year.
Gail Walker is from the Tillicoultry, Devonside and Coalsnaughton Flood Group (Tideco): “The Scottish Flood Forecast is an important information source for Tideco. Advance warning of flooding supports us to work out how we can best respond to weather events with the resources we have.
“Tillicoultry has a number of flooding issues and is a known flooding ‘hot spot’. This can include surface water and sewage flooding within residential streets, as well as flooding from the Tillicoultry Burn and the River Devon, which both have a history of having flooded out homes in the past. Whilst we have some flood defence measures in place, we still have areas that are vulnerable.
“The Scottish Flood Forecast is a useful trigger for the group to plan, prepare and to make sure volunteers are in areas where we know there is the potential for flooding. The key role of Tideco is to warn, inform and offer support to those at risk of flooding or who may have been impacted.”
The forecast is produced every morning, 365 days a year, and published on SEPA’s website. It is an additional tool for the public to use alongside the current Floodline service, which issues shorter notice Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings to those signed up, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Flooding can cause utter devastation to people and communities, as we saw again in several parts of the country in November and December last year.
“The impact of the climate emergency, across the world and here in Scotland, means that flooding will be more frequent. That is why it’s so important that we increase community resilience and take action to manage flood risk.
“The Scottish Flood Forecast will give people a three day look ahead to help make plans for travel and ensure safety and is a product of the excellent partnership working between SEPA and the Met Office.
“This new three-day forecast is a helpful addition to the other important services, such as Floodline, that the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service provides.”
Nicole Paterson, SEPA Chief Executive, added: “The Scottish Flood Forecast has been the biggest change to SEPA’s flood warning service in the last decade and is a major step forward in helping communities become more resilient to flooding.
“This winter we were reminded why that is so important, as parts of Scotland experienced damaging impacts from flooding – notably Aberdeenshire and Angus in November and Dumfries and Galloway in December.
“While the Scottish Flood Forecast currently displays information at a national level, work will continue on the forecast to gradually introduce localised information.”
Ian Cameron, Met Office Markets Director, said: “Every day the Met Office and SEPA teams work in close partnership to publish the Scottish Flood Forecast, providing guidance to the flood forecasting team at the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service (SFFS) with the latest weather information.
“Working together in the SFFS Partnership enables the Met Office and SEPA to achieve more together and create a more resilient environment.”
High winds, heavy rain and snow melt on Thursday, 5 January, into Friday, 6 January, are likely to cause localised disruption due to coastal wave overtopping, surface water and river flooding.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scotland’s flood forecasting and warning authority, is urging people to keep updated, be mindful of potential disruption, and plan ahead for any travel.
In coastal areas, windy conditions particularly around high tides could also lead to spray and overtopping. Localised Flood Warnings have been issued for parts of Orkney and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, where large waves and strong winds could create impacts such as flooding of causeways, promenades, and roads.
Rainfall, combined with melting snow, is likely to see minor river and surface water flooding, across much of Scotland. Regional Flood Alerts are in place and, whilst peak river levels are expected to be well below those experienced last week, given the saturated nature of the ground, minor disruption is likely on some transport routes with isolated property flooding in places.
SEPA continues to monitor the situation and will issue further flood messages as required. People are encouraged to sign up to the Floodline service to receive updates for where they live, or where they’re travelling through, directly to their phone. People can also check Flood Updates – SEPA Floodline for all the latest updates.
Staying informed
Check the latest information on SEPA’s regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
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.
If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?
We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
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 on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.
Scotland is set for a week of unsettled weather as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scotland’s flood forecasting and warning authority, is advising Scots and visitors to Scotland to keep updated, be mindful of potential disruption, and plan ahead for any travel across the period to the weekend.
The guidance comes after last week’s significant flooding in the run-up to New Year which saw Scotland’s environment protection agency issue 10 Regional flood alerts, 29 local flood warnings and a severe flood warning in place for Dumfries. Impacts across the country were significant, with levels at the River Nith being the highest ever recorded, and higher than Storm Frank in 2015 and flooding in December 1982.
Across the coming days, prolonged rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, combined with melting snow, is likely to see minor river and surface water flooding, across the country, with the potential for impact on transport routes.
Whilst peak river levels in Southern Scotland, including the Tweed and the Nith, are expected to be well below those experienced last week, given the saturated nature of the ground, minor disruption is likely on some transport routes with isolated property flooding in places.
Marc Becker, Flood Duty Manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Across New Year’s week we’ll see Scotland face a further period of unsettled weather.
“Prolonged rainfall on Tuesday a”nd Wednesday, combined with melting snow, is likely to see minor river and surface water flooding, across the country, with the potential for impact on transport routes.
“Whilst peak river levels in Southern Scotland, including the Tweed and the Nith, are expected to be well below those experienced last week, given the saturated nature of the ground, minor disruption is likely on some transport routes with isolated property flooding in places.
“Across the week we’ll see Scots and visitors to Scotland out and about, travelling home or returning to work. We’re urging people to keep updated, register for SEPA’s free Floodline messaging service, be mindful of potential disruption, and plan ahead for any travel across the period to the weekend.”
Scots can add one more New Year’s resolution by signing-up for SEPA’s free Floodline message service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk
Staying informed
Check the latest information on SEPA’s regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
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.
If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?
We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
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 on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) joins emergency responder partners in urging Scots and visitors to Scotland to steer clear of flood water this New Year as the country clears up from a significant flooding event.
Across Friday (30th December), Scotland’s environment protection agency had 10 Regional flood alerts, 29 local flood warnings and a severe flood warning in place for Dumfries. Impacts across the country were significant, with levels at the River Nith being the highest ever recorded, and higher than Storm Frank in 2015 and flooding in December 1982.
Whilst an improving situation, people living, working and travelling through Southern and Central Scotland in particular are encouraged to remain vigilant, steer clear of flood water and follow the latest information from SEPA, transport authorities and Police Scotland.
Marc Becker, Flood Duty Manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Across Friday we saw Scotland hit with yet another significant flood event, with Southern and Central Scotland heavily impacted this time in particular.
“This comes after recent flooding impacts in the East and North-East of Scotland in November. What made Friday’s event notable was not only the intense nature of the rainfall, but also the rapid and extreme rises in river levels which led, in the Nith, to the highest ever recorded river levels.
“Whilst across Hogmanay and New Year’s Day we’re seeing an improving picture, we’ll see rain, sleet and snow on higher grounds, particularly across the Bells. With residual impacts on the ground, particularly in Southern and Central Scotland, we’re encouraging people living, working and travelling to remain vigilant, steer clear of flood water and follow the latest information from SEPA, transport authorities and Police Scotland.
“Across 2022 we’ve seen Scotland on the front line of climate change – a year of firsts with significantly severe weather events. We’ve seen record river levels across Scotland during severe and significant flood events whilst, in the summer, we saw the East of Scotland record is tenth driest summer for one-hundred years, ground water levels at their lowest recorded and the agency suspending abstraction licenses to protect local water environments.
“Against this backdrop, we’re urging Scots to add one more New Year’s resolution by signing-up for SEPA’s free Floodline message service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk”
The agency also thanked the Met Office, Scottish Government, Scotland’s resilience partners and responders for their planning and response to more frequent extreme weather events across the year.
Staying informed
Check the latest information on SEPA’s regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
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.
If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?
We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
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 on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.
Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
Marc Becker, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Heavy rain from around midnight on Thursday into Friday morning could cause flooding from rivers and surface water in central and southern Scotland.
“Impacts may include flooding in communities, properties and agricultural land. Disruption to the transport network is also likely, including difficult driving conditions. Parts of Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders in particular could experience significant impacts.
“Regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings are in place. People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe. Anyone out walking is urged to be extra cautious, even around small watercourses. They can also keep updated on floodline.sepa.org.uk.
“SEPA works 24/7 to monitor conditions and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to understand and communicate the flooding risk.”
Staying informed
Check the latest information on SEPA’s regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
Check the latest advice on what to do to prepare for flooding at floodlinescotland.org.uk
Register for SEPA’s free Floodline alert service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk
A clean-up operation is underway following heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of Scotland over the weekend.
Several severe weather warnings were issued for the North East by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on Friday, with a month’s rain falling in some areas and record high river flows.
These were downgraded on Saturday as the situation improved; however, several flood warnings remain with a yellow weather warning in place for a large part of eastern Scotland.
People who lost power during the flooding events have had it restored and a normal rail service has resumed. Local resilience partners on the ground continue to support communities.
Over the weekend, Network Rail has continued to check routes to get them back to normal. Advice remains to check with your operator to see if your service is affected. Some roads remain impacted by flooding and drivers should pay attention to the conditions at hand. Traffic Scotland provides regular updates on the trunk road network and Police Scotland continues to warn of possible disruption.
The Scottish Government’s resilience arrangements remain activated to ensure appropriate measures are in place.
Justice Secretary and lead Minister for resilience Keith Brown said: “This was a serious flood event similar in magnitude to 2016’s Storm Frank, causing significant disruption in some parts of the country.
“As the clean-up gets underway, I want to thank local resilience partners and the emergency services for their ongoing work to ensure those communities most affected are kept safe, and urgently get the support they need.
“We still have flood warnings in place so please take extra care if you are out and about and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. The conditions continue to cause some disruption to the transport network – so it’s important people plan their journeys before they set off – particularly if they are looking to use the trunk roads or travel by rail.
“We remain in close contact with resilience partners, local authorities and the emergency services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed.”
Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “Across Sunday and into next week we’ll see intermittent showers as the clear-up continues. Recent days have shown real resilience from families, communities, businesses and partners across the country with how they responded.
“Localised surface water flooding of land and transport routes remains possible. Take extra care, sign up for SEPA’s free Floodline service and don’t attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”
SEPA issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on its website.
Flooding continues to affect parts of Scotland, particularly in the North East, as heavy rain caused disruption across the country following an amber warning from the Met Office.
Parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus were given severe flood warnings by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – the highest level of risk indicating danger to life. SEPA and local resilience partners are working with responders on the ground to deploy flood defences and help focus support to those communities who will need it most. Local rest centres have been set up to support people in affected areas.
The amber warning for rain covered Grampian, Tayside, Central and Fife and stayed in place until 9pm. A yellow warning for rain was inplace for a large part of eastern Scotland, inclusing Edinburgh, with disruption likely to continue into the weekend.
Across Scotland heavy rain is causing disruption to the transport network. Surface water and reduced visibility is leading to difficult driving conditions, a number of rail lines are currently closed and some ferry services are cancelled or delayed.
Advice remains to check with your operator to see if your service is affected. Traffic Scotland provides regular updates on the trunk road network and Police Scotland continue to warn of a high risk of disruption.
Justice Secretary and lead Minister for resilience Keith Brown chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s resilience committee last night (Friday 18 November).
Mr Brown said: “The high rainfall currently being experienced in many areas is causing significant issues in some parts of the country, and is now likely to cause potentially damaging and dangerous risk of flooding in some areas.
“Flooding could happen quickly, even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Local resilience partners are working with emergency services to ensure those communities most at risk are kept safe, and urgently get the support they need.
“Please take extra care if you are out and about and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. The conditions have already caused disruption to the transport network, with further disruption expected – so it’s important people plan their journeys before they set off – particularly if they are looking to use the trunk roads or travel by rail.
“The Scottish Government’s resilience arrangements have been activated to ensure preparations and appropriate measures are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation over the course of the weekend.
“We are in close contact with resilience partners, local authorities and the emergency services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed.”
Vincent Fitzsimons, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Heavy and persistent rain overnight has led to significant increases in river levels across the east of Scotland.
“We have seen almost a month’s worth of rain in some parts already this week and we are expecting around the same again over the course of Friday and Saturday in parts of Northeast Scotland.
“The highest risk is to riverside communities in parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus, with Severe Flood Warnings already issued. The worst impacts will occur between early Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. We are working 24/7 with the Met Office and with information from SEPA’s gauge network to review the flood predictions for these communities and others. This will continue until the risk is over.
“SEPA is working with emergency response partners in the areas most at risk to help them prepare and to focus support to those communities who need it most. People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe. They can also keep updated on floodline.sepa.org.uk.”
Responding to reports of extreme flooding and transport disruption across Edinburgh and Scotland yesterday (18th November 2022), Foysol Choudhury MSP said:“The rainfall we are experiencing today is causing major disruption-to trains, to roads, to pedestrians.
“We cannot, of course, control the weather. However, we unfortunately can expect more and more extreme weather patterns such as this in the future due to the devastating impact of climate change.
“The Scottish and UK Government must have plans in place to deal with this weather, in order to protect our countryside and town and city infrastructure.
“It was only last week that I held a meeting with Scottish Water and local elected representatives to discuss how impactful rain and flooding can be on constituents, and to urge them to provide an easily accessible helpline for constituents affected by flooding.
“Unfortunately, we have seen today just why this helpline is so necessary.
“As a result of my meeting with Scottish Water, I also lodged two parliamentary questions to ask the Scottish Government about whether it would allocate more funding to Scottish Water to prevent and tackle flooding and heavy rainfall.
“I understand the impact that today’s weather will have on my constituents and I want you all to know that I understand the difficulties you will be facing this weekend and I am here to help.
“I’ve already urged The City of Edinburgh Council to help unblock drains which are causing extreme flooding at the junction between Ferry Road and West Granton Access in Edinburgh (pictured top).
“If you have any issues with flooding over the weekend, I’d urge you to contact your local council to get urgent help.
“Going into the future, I will be continuing to take action on this issue – today has only strengthened my resolve that action is needed, now.”
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.
98% of Scotland’s bathing waters pass environmental standards:
38 (44%) of bathing waters will be rated ‘excellent’ for 2023 – the highest since tighter standards first came into force in 2015.47 (54%) will achieve ‘good’ or ‘sufficient’ status for 2023
Two (2%) will have ‘poor’ status for 2023
Previous projects to improve water quality are now showing sustained improvements across Scotland
Ayr (South Beach) maintains ‘good’ status following significant improvements over many years.
Management plans at Dhoon Bay improved water quality in 2022.
Projects are in development for the two ‘poor’ Fife beaches to improve water quality
Farmers and land managers have continued to show good compliance with environmental regulations.
Targeted investments by Scottish Water have helped to reduce risks and improve water quality.
Scotland’s bathing water quality continues to improve with 38 out of 87 (44%) rated as ‘excellent’ for 2023. This is the highest number ever and highlights sustained improvements in bathing water quality, achieved through partnership projects.
Overall bathing water quality has seen ongoing improvements since 2015, when tighter standards first came into force. For next season, 85 sites will meet or exceed the sufficient classification.
Since 2015, 15 bathing waters have improved their classification from ‘poor’ to ‘sufficient’ or better. This is testament to the on-going partnership working taking place to drive forward water quality in Scotland. Whilst next year two bathing waters will have a ‘poor’ classification, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) intends to drive the same improvements that have successfully been achieved at other sites.
Scotland’s results(*):
2022/23
2021/22
2020/21
2019/20
2018/19
2017/18
2016/17
2015/16
Excellent
38 (44%)
32 (38%)
Results carried over
29 (34%
28 (32%)
25 (29%)
26 (31%)
17 (20%)
Good
35 (40%)
35 (41%)
31 (36%)
35 (41%)
34 (40%)
36 (43%)
38 (45%)
Sufficient
12 (14%)
17 (20%)
20 (24%)
13 (15%)
16 (19%)
11 (13%)
12 (14%)
Poor
2 (2%)
1 (1%)
5 (6%)
10 (12%)
11 (13%)
11 (13%)
17 (20%)
Total
87
85
85
86
86
84
84
Sources of pollution at Scotland’s bathing waters are often complex and interlinked, requiring action from a range of organisations and people. Progress is being made through working with partners and communities to coordinate activities and identify actions to address water quality challenges, particularly around diffuse pollution, sewage and urban sources.
One of Scotland’s most popular visitor areas, Ayr (South Beach), will maintain its ‘good’ status, achieved in 2021/22, following targeted improvement actions to reduce pollution. The status of the water quality is the result of several years of partnership working between SEPA, Ayrshire livestock farmers and Scottish Water, supported by South Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government. These improvements were significant and there is good confidence that a similar classification should be maintained in future years.
Dhoon Bay has achieved ‘sufficient’ status for 2023. Rated ‘poor’ for the last four years, the improved water quality is a result of targeted action. This involved partnership working between the local community and tourism businesses, Scottish Water, and the local authority and focused on improvements to the treatment of private sewage as well as reducing run-off from agricultural land.
The Scottish Government provided funding to address inputs from private sewage treatment systems. This work is ongoing.
Other long-term projects
At Sandyhills, in Dumfries and Galloway, SEPA worked with farmers and NFU Scotland to tackle issues related to diffuse pollution, leading to sustained improvements to water quality. Having previously been rated ‘poor’, Sandyhills has achieved two successive ‘good’ classifications and will be rated ‘good’ again in 2023.
Heads of Ayr in Ayrshire has achieved an ‘excellent’ and ‘good’ classification in the last two seasons, following ‘poor’ classifications in previous years. It will maintain its ‘good’ again in 2023. It has seen investment in sewage treatment, surface water drainage and farms complying with requirements. This has resulted in significant water quality improvement.
The Nairn Central and Nairn East bathing waters will be rated ‘good’ for 2023. These sites have had consistent ratings since passing in 2018. Having been a priority project, progress was made through working with partners and communities to coordinate activities and identify actions to address water quality challenges, particularly around diffuse pollution, sewage and urban sources.
Luss Bay will be ‘sufficient’ for the 2023 bathing season and improvements in the water quality in what is a very popular area for visitors will be taken forward by SEPA with partner organisations including Argyll & Bute Council, the Luss Estate, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Scottish Water, local businesses and residents.
Scotland had two newly designated Bathing Waters in 2022.
Barassie in Ayrshire achieved a ‘sufficient’ classification, while Lower Largo, in Fife, will be rated as ‘poor’ for the 2023 bathing season. A Scottish Water project at Lower Largo has been assessing potential sources of pollution into local burns, including testing for misconnections in nearby properties. SEPA will continue to monitor and report water quality and determine how best to drive water quality improvements over the next few years.
Kinghorn (Harbour Beach) will be rated as ‘poor’ for 2023, following ‘sufficient’ classifications in 2019 and 2021. SEPA is carrying out investigations and further monitoring is planned. SEPA will work with partners to identify and resolve issues.
Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s Principal Scientist for Bathing Waters, said: “Seeing the long-term bathing water quality improvements reflected in this year’s results demonstrates that the sustained hard work by public bodies, private businesses and communities has made a real improvement across Scotland.
“More of our bathing waters will be rated ‘excellent’ than ever before and, overall, 98% are meeting strict environmental standards. We have the largest number of designated bathing waters on record which is good news for the increasing popularity of wild swimming and the communities, businesses and visitors who enjoy our coastlines.
“This has demonstrated the success of driving improvements in water quality through targeted regulation and partnership working. SEPA will continue to work to protect and improve water quality across Scotland with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, public bodies, farmers and local communities and businesses. We will use our expertise to provide advice and guidance, recommend actions and – when it is appropriate to do so – take robust enforcement action.”
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Scotland’s bathing waters are not only important to our environment, they provide spaces for recreation and contribute to good health and well-being. That’s why it’s so great to see more bathing waters across the country rated excellent than ever before.
“The number of bathing waters in Scotland has increased since last year and now stands at 87, with 98% achieving the bathing water quality standards.
“By investing in improving bathing waters across Scotland, we have made sure many more people – tourists and locals alike – can continue to enjoy them, which is good for our communities and our local economies.”
Simon Parsons, Director of Strategic Customer Service Planning, Scottish Water, said:“Scottish Water is committed to continuing to support the protection and improvement of Scotland’s rivers, coastal waters and beaches.
“Last December, we published our improving urban waters route map announcing plans to invest up to half a billion pounds more in Scotland’s waste water network to deliver further improvements and ensure that Scotland’s rivers, beaches and urban waters are free from sewage related debris.
“Our customers can play a huge part in preventing debris in rivers and on beaches. Our national campaign ‘Nature Calls’ urges customers not to flush wet wipes (and other items) down the toilet and we are calling for a complete ban on the sale of wet wipes containing plastic.”
Working with farmers to improve Scotland’s rivers
SEPA has been working alongside NFU Scotland over a number of years to help farmers and rural land managers across Scotland reduce diffuse pollution.
This has been an issue affecting both Ayrshire and Rockcliffe bathing water catchments. In the Ayr (South Beach) bathing water catchment there are only a handful of farms SEPA is still working with to achieve compliance.
All others are fully compliant, with many adopting new practices and spending significant sums of money to improve slurry storage, fence off water courses and install alternative water supplies for livestock.
Around £50 million has been spent on improvements in Ayrshire’s Bathing waters, through self-funding and grants from Scottish Government, and in many cases, farmers have gone even further than is legally required to help protect Scotland’s water environment from farming activities.
In 2022, SEPA issued a farmer with a £600 fixed monetary penalty for a failure to comply with or contravene a General Binding rule. The farmer, who had previously been compliant, failed to prevent significant erosion or poaching of land within 5m of the Corraford Burn, which is within the Dhoon catchment.
Bathing water quality monitoring and prediction
Scotland has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but also experiences some of the wettest weather in Europe. Heavy rain can have an impact on water quality at bathing waters due to pollutants being washed into rivers from sewage treatment systems, roads and pavements.
Scotland’s official bathing water season runs between 1 June and 15 September. Throughout the season, SEPA’s specialist teams sample the designated waters providing regular water quality information which is published on the SEPA website. Pre-season sampling is carried out during May.
Monitoring water quality in this way means SEPA can provide information on water quality for bathing and develop a strategy for any water quality improvements needed.
Electronic messaging signs, at selected bathing waters across Scotland, provide real-time predictions of water quality during the season.
