Dumfries and Galloway beaches in good shape for bathing water season

The Stewartry’s beaches are in good shape now that Scotland’s bathing water season is under way.

SEPA will be taking water quality samples between now and the end of the season on September 15, with results shared online to keep visitors informed.

Ahead of the season beginning at the start of June, one of the seven Stewartry beaches tested - Mossyard - had an “excellent” rating.

Sandyhills, Carrick, Brighouse Bay, Rockcliffe and Southerness were deemed “good”, with Dhoon Bay classed as “sufficient”.

The results are based on the level of bacteria found in the water, with Scotland now having 89 designated bathing waters – the highest ever total.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, Màiri McAllan, said: “As a result of our investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across Scotland we now have the highest number of designated bathing water sites ever, with 98 per cent passing bathing water quality standards and more rated as ‘excellent’ than ever before.

“However, we are not complacent.

“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, to ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy them throughout this summer and beyond.”