Beach fails clean water examination

A BEACH in Edinburgh has failed to pass a national water quality test.

Cramond Beach was among those where water cleanliness fell below basic European standards in the latest Good Beach Guide from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

Across Scotland, four designated bathing beaches and three beaches not designated as bathing areas – of which Cramond was one – failed the MCS water quality assessment.

However, eight beaches in East Lothian, including Yellowcraig, Gullane and Whitesands, passed the test.

Wet weather has been blamed, after Scotland was hit by summer downpours and above-average rainfall in 2011.

Rachel Wyatt, MCS coastal pollution officer, said: “It is important local authorities, water companies and environmental regulators don’t become complacent about continued environmental improvements.”