Beaches still fail to make grade

The region failed to meet the necessary water quality standards for the second year running.

But the survey suggests an improvement as no beaches failed European Standards - down from three 12 months ago.

The MCS said the major problem was agricultural run-off pollution but work was being done to address the issue.

Callum Duncan from the MCS said he expected further improvement in the years ahead.

"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has done excellent work with farmers to try and limit the amount of faecal matter that can wash into burns and out into bathing waters," he said.

"I am sure that as that good work continues and a lot more of the farming community come on side we can see a lot more recommendations in the south west in future.

"We cannot unequivocally recommend people bathe in beaches that are not recommended - but there are signs of improvement and I am sure that will change in future."

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