By Bruce Robbins

BROUGHTY FERRY beach, which last year lost its Blue Flag status after a slight drop in the quality of its bathing water, has been awarded the next highest accolade by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

KSB has revealed that the beach will be able to fly a Seaside Award this summer in recognition of good water quality and excellent beach management by Dundee City Council and the local community.

Broughty Ferry was one of 61 Scottish beaches—the most ever— to win awards, but only five and a marina gained the coveted international Blue Flag status.

The 16-year-old Seaside Award programme mainly recognises beaches where water quality and litter management procedures are in place, information is provided and safety issues are addressed.

Bathing water quality at Broughty Ferry last year was classified as “good” but just missed out on the top “excellent” mark needed for retention of Blue Flag status.

KSB recognised the slight dip in water quality is believed to be a result of an extremely wet summer, but the organisation said Broughty Ferry would have to once again meet the highest water standards before it could join the other five Blue Flag beaches.

Water samples at Broughty Ferry just fell short of the top standards on June 13 and 27 and July 4, 7, 17 and 23 last year. If more than four of the 20 planned samples taken during the bathing season by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency fail to meet top standards, Blue Flag status is lost.

The environmental charity’s chief executive John Summers said, “KSB would like to congratulate Dundee City Council because the combined effort of the local authority, community members and visitors has ensured that Broughty Ferry has maintained the high standards required to fly the Seaside Award flag.

“Although it is disappointing that the Blue Flag will not be awarded to Broughty Ferry beach this year, Keep Scotland Beautiful is delighted that the beach will continue to be managed under the Seaside Award criteria and standards will be maintained.

“A cleansing regime will remain in place, qualified lifeguards will still patrol the beach, and up-to- date information about current water quality will be provided by Dundee City Council. We would urge people to check the most recent water quality results on the information boards or online at www.sepa.org.uk before visiting the beach.”

City council leisure, arts and communities convener Councillor Richard McCready said the dip in water quality was disappointing but outwith the council’s control.

He added, “We welcome recognition of our efforts to make Broughty Ferry beach an attractive, clean and safe place to visit. We will continue to maintain the high standards that have earned the area the national award.”

SEPA yesterday began the first in a series of tests of water quality at Scottish beaches that will finish at the end of the bathing season on September 15. These will determine whether Broughty Ferry can regain Blue Flag status

All award-winning beaches—with descriptions, directions, facilities and pictures—are featured on the KSB website at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/coastal

Dundee Green Party, meanwhile, is inviting locals to take steps to improve Broughty Ferry beach by getting involved in a clean-up this week.

Those wishing to help should meet at the West End of Douglas Terrace at 6pm on Thursday. Protective gloves and bags will be provided.