CEP meets with local communities and businesses across Scotland to discuss the value of bathing water quality

As part of a research project for the Scottish Government to provide a detailed and quantifiable socio-economic understanding of the value of Scottish bathing waters and the influence of quality to bathers, beach users and to the national and local economies, CEP has recently run a series of focus groups in Scottish coastal communities, which investigate the benefits and impact of bathing water quality on local people and businesses. The focus groups were held at Gullane and Portobello in East Lothian, Troon and Ayr in South Ayrshire, and Nairn in the Highlands. The focus groups covered the impression, uses, and value of local beaches, including public perception of water quality and beach information. The results of each discussion will be used to inform the research findings to be reported to the Scottish Government on the value of bathing water quality for local communities.

The focus groups are being run by CEP’s Paula Orr and Izzy Cotton.