An environmental watchdog has warned an Edinburgh beach could be 'unsuitable' for wild swimming this year as it didn't meet the standards to be classed as a bathing water.
Scotland's Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) released their list of approved bathing waters with updated ratings but Wardie Bay did not make the list.
Bathing season goes starts on June 1 to September 15 in Scotland and all of the natural swimming sites are tested up to 15 times across the season.
READ MORE: Edinburgh bride shares how she planned dream wedding for under £4,000
Despite missing out the official list of approved waters this bathing season, SEPA have agreed to continue to test the tiny Granton beach throughout due to its popularity and the volume of people who use the water.
The decision to continue to test the water by SEPA throughout the year is down to campaigning from local groups who use the bay.
Scotland has 85 designated bathing waters where we monitor water quality from 15 May to 15 September and publish the sampling results online.
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Wardie Bay missing the list two years in a row now, much to the disappointment of the Wardie Bay Wild Ones community which has around nearly 3000 members.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, SEPA’s Interim Head of Water and Planning, said: “Scotland’s natural environment is world renowned. Our waters are at their best status on record and the best in the UK, including 99% of bathing waters meeting strict environmental standards in 2021.
“As well as the physical and mental health benefits that being outdoors can provide, bathing waters can support local economies by encouraging visitors.
“Due to the high level of community use, and the ongoing work by City of Edinburgh Council. SEPA’s specialist teams will take samples throughout the bathing water season, providing water quality information for the local community and visitors.”
