Marine Conservation Society (MCS)

“The tests were conducted from June to September 2009, which was particularly wet.”

“The latest survey found that bathing water quality in Scotland has been declining since a peak in 2004, when MCS recommended 56 beaches - almost half of all sites tested.”

“The society is concerned that the current situation in Scotland may further deteriorate when new stricter bathing water standards are introduced in 2015.”

“The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) recommended 39 Scottish bathing beaches for excellent water quality - two less than last year.”

“when MCS recommended 56 beaches - almost half of all sites tested.”

“Under this new regime, 28 of the 105 Scottish beaches tested will fail the new minimum water quality standard if nothing is done to improve them.”

“63% of tested beaches aren't recommended by MCS because of pollution, a percentage which is set to go higher with tougher standards from 2015.”