The STATE OF THE EAST GRAMPIAN COAST to increase visitor numbers as there is a high degree of confusion amongst the general public as to what the various awards mean (Nelson et al, 2000). However, the achievement of an award shows a certain standard has been maintained and may prove a successful method of managing local beaches. This in itself has many benefits for the marine and coastal environment and may in turn attract a greater number of visitors. To date, no beach or marina in this area has the international Blue Flag award. In 2008, six beaches and one marina in Scotland held the award (five of which are in Fife). Two beaches were previously withdrawn due to breaches in the stringent water quality criteria. There are 27 rigorous Blue Flag criteria relating to environmental education and information; water quality; environmental management; and safety and services.
5.8 Designated Bathing Waters The East Grampian coast currently has seven bathing waters including Fraserburgh (Tiger Hill), Fraserburgh (Waters of Philorth), Peterhead Lido, Cruden Bay, Balmedie, Aberdeen and Stonehaven which are designated under the revised Bathing Waters Directive (2006/7/EC) and are required to meet European standards for water quality during the bathing season (1st June–Mid September). The main objective of this legislation is to protect public health and the environment from faecal pollution. There are 80 designated bathing waters in Scotland, 77 of which are coastal waters; the remaining freshwater sites are Luss on Loch Lomond, Loch Morlich and Dores on Loch Ness. The results of the local bathing waters are shown in figure 5.24. From this it is apparent that there has been a general increase in water quality in the area, although there have been exceptions to this, with some years showing a decrease. Since the introduction of this legislation, water quality at the designated sites has improved overall, with significant investment from water companies to improve sewage screening and treatment near bathing waters. It has been estimated that the investment by UK water bodies is close to £600 million (Hewett, 2007).
FraserBurgh Tiger Hill
* ICZM Indicator
Fraserburgh (Philorth)
Peterhead Lido
Cruden Bay
Balmedie
Aberdeen
Stonehaven
1996
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
Excellent
1997
Good
Excellent
Good
Poor
Good
Good
n/s
1998
Poor
Good
Good
Poor
Good
Good
Poor
1999
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Poor
2000
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Poor
Good
Good
Good
2001
Poor
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
2002
Good
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Good
Good
Good
2003
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Good
Good
2004
Good
Excellent
Good
Good
Excellent
Good
Good
2005
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Good
Poor
2006
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Good
2007
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Good
Good
2008
Excellent
Good
Good
Poor
Good
Poor
Good
Overall
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Good
Good
Figure 5.24 The bathing waters on the East Grampian coast and their water quality results (1996-2007) *
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