Thurso and Dunnet beaches meet strict environmental water quality standards

Two Caithness beaches were highlighted in a Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) report on water quality standards in the Highland region.

Highland Council welcomed findings published by SEPA that 16 beaches designated for bathing across the region have met strict environmental standards for water quality.

The results for designated bathing beaches across the Highlands and Islands show 8 classed as “excellent”, 7 “good” and 1 falling into the “sufficient” category. None were ranked “poor”.

Dunnet beach was the only Caithness beach designated as "excellent" but Thurso beach did receive commendation and was graded as "good".

Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The Highlands is lucky to boost some of the country’s’ most spectacular beaches – from remote west coast gems and the wide sweeping northern coast beaches to the popular golden sands that run along the 'East Coast Eight' of the beaches designated for swimming have received an 'excellent' rating which is a fantastic result. I am delighted that none of the ratings fell into the 'poor' category.”

“Our stunning beaches are not only precious to their local communities and surrounding area but they play a part in boosting tourism and the local economy so it is good these high standards are in place. Local families and visitors spending time exploring and enjoying them have the reassurance that the water they swim and paddling in has met these very strict standards.”

The bathing waters receiving an “Excellent” grading for 2023 are:

Achmelvich

Dornoch

Dunnet

Findhorn

Gairloch Beach

Ganavan

Loch Morlich

Sand Beach

The following will be graded as “Good” for 2023:

Ettrick Bay

Lossiemouth (East)

Machrihanish

Nairn Central

Nairn East

Rosemarkie

Thurso

Dores will be graded as “sufficient”

Scotland’s official bathing water season runs between June 1 and September 15. 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.

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