The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water are continuing to actively work with all relevant partners including Fife Council, NHS Fife and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust in response to the ongoing localised pollution pressure affecting the Kinghorn Burn, to protect public health and the environment.

Further water quality samples undertaken by SEPA last week have shown that pollution levels within the Kinghorn Burn remain high and as a result the general safety advice to avoid contact with the burn when visiting the beach remains in place.

The temporary signage reflecting this guidance, which was installed earlier this month at the location and at access points to Kinghorn Harbour, is likely to remain in position for the duration of the bathing water season as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.

A spokesperson for SEPA said:

“SEPA has committed to increasing the frequency of sampling at the Kinghorn Burn in order to closely monitor bacterial levels in the watercourse and understand the full extent of the ongoing pollution pressure at this location.

“Precautionary health and safety advice for the public is likely to remain in place for the duration of the bathing water season."

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said:

“Investigations across the local sewer network and wider underground drainage systems in Kinghorn are ongoing as we work to identify and address potential sources contributing to the elevated sample results.

“We recognise the continued high sample results identified through SEPA’s recent monitoring and understand the concern this will cause locally.

“This is a uniquely complex issue, and we are committed to continuing to work with partners and to engage with local stakeholders to deliver improvement for the community."