THE standard of bathing waters at spots across Ayrshire has been revealed.

In 2025 the highest number of Scotland's bathing waters on record will meet the best environmental standards, with 87 per cent achieving 'excellent' or 'good' classifications.

In 2015 there were 84 designated bathing waters, of which 17 were 'excellent'. For the year ahead, Scotland will have 89 designated bathing waters, of which 50 are 'excellent'.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) routinely analyse water quality at all of the country's designated bathing water sites during the summer months to protect human health. 

In tandem with environmental monitoring, SEPA work with operators and stakeholders across the country to direct action, including millions of pounds of investment, to improve bathing water quality. 

Over the past decade, SEPA have ensured Scottish Water investment has been targeted to drive major improvements in water quality at locations that were not meeting the 'sufficient' standard.

Ayr (South Beach), which has now achieved four successive 'good' classifications after many years of 'poor' classification, has benefitted from significant sewerage system upgrades.

Other classifications at Ayrshire locations for 2025 are...

  • Ayr (South Beach) - Good
  • Carrick - Excellent 
  • Culzean - Excellent 
  • Girvan - Sufficient 
  • Heads of Ayr - Good
  • Irvine - Excellent
  • Largs (Pencil Beach) - Excellent
  • Millport Bay - Excellent 
  • Prestwick - Excellent 
  • Saltcoats/Ardrossan - Excellent
  • Seamill - Excellent
  • Troon (South Beach) - Excellent