Beachgoers have been warned to stay out of the water at Portobello after elevated levels of bacteria were detected during routine testing.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) carried out sampling at Portobello Central on Thursday, June 11, with results showing a high bacteria count.
SEPA monitors Scotland’s designated bathing waters between May 15 and September 15 each year to help the public make informed decisions about entering the water.
Updating its website on Friday, June 12, the agency advised against bathing and paddling at the beach, reports EdinburghLive.
It said: “At Portobello Central, there has been a high result on a routine sample taken on 11/06/2026.
“We are currently advising against bathing or paddling.”
Porty Surf Lifesaving Club criticised the continued warning, saying it was “not good enough” that the beach remained effectively closed three days after the initial sample was taken.
In a post on Instagram, the volunteer-run water safety charity said: “It is just not good enough that three days after a SEPA test the beach is still closed and volunteer-led water safety charity Porty SLSC cannot deliver work with local communities at Porty beach.”
The club urged members of the public to raise the issue with their local MSPs, MPs and Edinburgh Council.
It is not the first time Portobello has been affected by poor water quality.
In July 2024, SEPA issued similar advice after unusually high levels of bacteria were detected in samples testing for E. coli and intestinal enterococci.
At the time, the agency said sewage had been ruled out as the cause of the pollution incident, while further analysis was unable to identify the source of the elevated bacteria levels.
The warning was lifted two days later, on July 12, after testing showed water quality had returned to normal levels.
SEPA has been approached for comment.
Article continues below
Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.