Clean Up Our Coasts

In the 2025 ratings from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Kinghorn Beach was rated Poor. We are now facing a situation where Kinghorn Beach may be de-designated as a bathing beach due to the persistently high levels of contamination.

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent public meeting in Kinghorn, where we heard directly from SEPA and Scottish Water representatives. If you would like to receive information from the meeting, please contact melanie.ward.mp@parliament.uk

Claire Baker MSP and Melanie Ward MP have been fighting hard to stop bacteria being pumped on to local beaches.

Reports of swimmers encountering sewage waste, and people falling ill due to exposure, as well as local beach closures during peak season, have been unacceptable. What’s worse is that Scottish Water has been aware of the issue at the Kinghorn Lady Burn leaking contaminated water onto our beaches since at least 2019.

Our water quality is declining at the same time as our water rates are increasing. Nearly 7 years of inaction on filthy water at the expense of our constituents' health is not good enough.

This issue was raised last year, but the CEO of Scottish Water told Fifers to "not overblow" our concerns. This response understandably sparked outrage. We won’t accept sewage on our beaches, especially when our water bills are increasing by 8.7%, and the Scottish Water CEO has just pocketed a £50,000 bonus.

That’s why Claire Baker MSP and I are launching the ‘Clean Up Our Coasts’ Petition for residents affected by this harmful issue. 

Please add your name to this petition, demanding that Scottish Water takes action on this issue and all beaches in Fife, including Kinghorn, Pettycur and Burntisland beaches remain clean and open all year round.