30/05/2008 09:01:00
Scotland's profile as a prime seaside destination in the UK was raised today, as 20 more sites were added to its number of officially recognised bathing waters.
These additions bring the total number of officially-recognised bathing waters in Scotland to 80 - a rise of a third on 2007's figures.
Out of the 20 new bathing spots, 19 are coastal sites. These include Broad Sands, east of North Berwick, Rosemarkie Beach on the Black Isle and several beaches in the Lothians, including Portobello on the fringes of Edinburgh.
However, one new bathing spot out of the 20 is a freshwater site at Loch Morlich, situated in the Cairngorms.
Michael Russell, the Environment Minister, said: "The public need to have the confidence that they are swimming in the highest quality of water, even if at times the Scottish climate can make swimming a bit bracing...
"After last year's rather miserable summer I hope the 2008 bathing water season brings with it plenty of warmth, sunshine and the chance to take a dip in Scottish waters."
He also called Scotland's beaches "a wonderful natural resource".
According to the Edinburgh Evening News, a beach is officially-recognised as a bathing spot when 150 people or more are seen using the area in one day.
Last week, the Marine Conservation Society released its yearly Good Beach Guide, awarding the south west of England the highest number of recommended beaches in the country.