News Release

16th January 2006

Machrihanish Bay to keep its status

Machrihanish Bay is to remain designated as bathing water under the European Bathing Water Directive.  The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development, Lewis MacDonald MSP, confirmed the status in line with recommendations received from the Bathing Water Review Panel.

Councillor Rory Colville said “The Scottish Executive have woken to the fact that we in Kintyre are custodian’s to one of natures greatest works, and Machrihanish Beach is simply the best.”

Back in 2005, Lewis MacDonald requested that Clean Coast Scotland establish and manage a panel to determine the future of the 60 identified bathing waters in Scotland. Designated waters across the Country are monitored by SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) to ensure that the quality of waters where bathing takes place in large numbers is protected.

The term “bathing” refers all water and beach users and as such means the health of those on the beach and in the water is protected. Machrihanish Bay stretching from Westport to Machrihanish village is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts such as surfers and kayakers as well as holiday-makers and locals alike.  
Councillor Donald Kelly said “I am absolutely delighted that the bathing water review panel has recommended retaining the bathing water status at Machrihanish.  This makes all the hard work worthwhile and will continue to attract tourists to the Kintyre area.” 

The GRAB (Group for Recycling in Argyll and Bute) Trust’s Beaches and Marine Litter Protect was responsible for putting together the application to retain the status - the success of which would not have been possible without the help and support of the local communities, beach users and statutory agencies.

For more information about the designation or Seaside Award Beach, please contact, Karen Judd, Beaches and Marine Litter Officer at the GRAB Trust on 01631 569188 or email
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