Yellow Flag status for Porty Beach

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 14 Dec 2004, 18:25

...is unlikely to happen, unless it becomes easier to achieve. Main stumbling blocks at present remain absence of life-saving equipment, inadequate signage (eg water quality) and most crucially (the money to pay for) a beach 'supervisor' who would be responsbile for the safety of swimmers.

The much talked-about 'dog-free' zone is '95% certain' to go ahead this summer and the exclusion zone for jet-skiers and power boats will be re-instated, except there aren't enough buoys.

It's a depressing state of affairs for 'Edinburgh's Seaside'. You may wish to complain bitterly.

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 16 Dec 2004, 14:26

Bob, this deserves a reply:

er, whats a yellow flag?

I thought it was blue ones that were good ones?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 17 Feb 2005, 20:12

Just realised I never got back to you on this one. My understanding is that the yellow flag (or Seaside Award) is easier to achieve, although comparing the criteria there doesn't seem to be much difference. I think I'm right in saying that blue flag status requires a higher water quality but I will try to get some confirmation on that.

More information here.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Mar 2005, 14:50

I was very disappointed this morning to discover that the dog-free zone on the beach (earlier in this thread reported as 95% certain to happen) is now unlikely to go ahead.

The reason, as ever, is money or more specifically lack of it. There is no money for the necessary signage and no money to pay for the environmental wardens to enforce it.

This is nothing short of disgraceful. We are talking about Edinburgh's seaside. The capital city of Scotland can't afford to support one small dog-free section of the beach.

So what now? Well I'm sure if we search around we will still be able to find a seaside award that is easier to attain - one that allows for dog shit on the beach, but who wants it?

Please complain about this, starting with emails to Lawrence, Maureen, Gavin and Susan. Perhaps if we make enough fuss we can still push this through.

lawrence.marshall@edinburgh.gov.uk
maureen.child@edinburgh.gov.uk
gillana@parliament.uk
Susan.Deacon.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 19 Mar 2005, 19:44

Sorry to be happy about this but I am. As usual it's the responsbile majority being branded by the irresponsible minority. You can't tell a dog where to 'go' - they don't understand 'this is not the right bit of the beach'. So were dog owners meant to carry a cork about with them or something? And there will always be strays - apparently more so since I heard that the Police are no longer going to be responsible for taking them in so it's up to dog wardens (who do a wonderful job, however are hardly ever about). Dogs can't read so how would the stray ones know where not to do their stuff anyway?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Mar 2005, 20:25

Dog-free means just that, free of dogs. It doesn't seem unreasonable to me to ask dog owners to avoid using one small stretch of beach, when there is still so much left that they are welcome to use (as long as they clean up afterwards.)

I'm sure that most responsible dog-owners would not have a problem with this. A Seaside Award for Portobello would be fantastic, but if we are ever to achieve it then we must deal with this issue.

In Scotland a bye-law will be granted by the Scottish Office to ban dogs from a specific beach, between Mean High Water Springs and the sea from May until September. Until model bye-laws are produced by the Scottish Office management rules must be created to ban dogs from beach areas above Mean High Water Springs and to ensure dogs are kept on a lead in all adjoining or abutting areas. Alternative dog exercise areas must be provided. Further information is available from Keep Scotland Beautiful.

All other animal access and activities must be controlled under all circumstances e.g. donkey/horse riding.

More information

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 20 Mar 2005, 22:59

I have yet to see anybody picking up after their horse. It used to be a big problem on the beach a few years ago. One stable in particular used to exercise their race horses at full pelt right along the soft sand from one end of the beach to the other. Since I'm not on the beach early in the morning now I'm not sure if this still goes on (Teddygirl??) Would this ban also apply to them? The safety factor of coming into contact with a racing horse at full gallop far outweighed any risk from dog/horse dirt.

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 22 Mar 2005, 14:49

beaches are cleaner (ish)

Don't know of Porty particular stats?

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 22 Mar 2005, 15:03

From the Scotsman

Refers to Portobello West.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 23 Mar 2005, 19:30

From today's EN:

Litter is major vice at seaside

PORTOBELLO beach is still being marred by visitors dropping litter.

The latest findings of Beachwatch show the amount of rubbish being dropped by members of the public on the beach is twice the national average.

Volunteers across Britain recently took part in clean-up operations on their local beaches to collect data for the report, compiled by the Marine Conservation Society.

And the overwhelming message from beaches in Scotland was that people had to learn to pick up their litter.

Over the 100 metres of Portobello beach cleaned by volunteers, 63 items of litter dropped by visitors, such as sweet wrappers and crisp packets, were found. This made up 62 per cent of all the rubbish found on the beach, twice the national average.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 Jul 2005, 17:56

Bob Jefferson wrote:The much talked-about 'dog-free' zone is '95% certain' to go ahead this summer .......

Oh no it's not!
Here's a copy of a letter, originally sent to Susan Deacon MSP from the director of Environmental and Consumer Services and circulated to local constituents in an email by Lawrence Marshall.

Dear Ms Deacon

DOG BAN ON PORTOBELLO BEACH

Further to the email I received from your Constituency Assistant, Janice Burr, I can confirm that there are no plans to put in place a dog ban on any part of Portobello Beach. This is because the new Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 presumes in favour of access for all. I have sought advice on this issue and the advice that I have received from both Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Council Access Officer suggests a dog ban on Portobello beach may be untenable in light of this new legislation.

Keep Scotland Beautiful, who administer the Seaside Awards scheme in Scotland have amended their assesment criteria for ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“resort status' beaches and no longer require resort status beaches to have a dog ban in place. The absence of a ban on Portobello beach will therefore no longer prevent the beach from gaining recognition through the Seaside Awards scheme.

Furthermore, Keep Scotland Beautiful also recognise that the regular enforcement activities undertaken by the Council Environmental Wardens service on the beach represent a model of best practice with regard to promoting responsible dog use on beaches.

Yours sincerely

J M Drewry
Director

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 19 Jul 2005, 21:54

Sorry, but.......

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 06 Aug 2005, 23:35

A copy of my correspondence on the subject:

----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Jefferson
To: Maureen Child
Cc: Lawrence Marshall
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 11:27 PM
Subject: Re: DOG BAN ON PORTOBELLO BEACH

Maureen

I hadn't until both you and Lawrence sent me a copy, although I had got wind of this some time ago via Diana Smith. I'm not entirely happy about it but if that's the Council's interpretation of the Act then I suppose we have to accept it, although I suspect that KSB are probably only too happy to use this excuse as an opportunity to downgrade the requirements for a Seaside Award. Now we just need to find a way of cheating on the requirement for a lifeguard and we will have the award.

Sorry, pardon my cynicism.

Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Maureen Child
To: Bob Jefferson
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 8:15 AM
Subject: Fw: DOG BAN ON PORTOBELLO BEACH

Bob

I take it you'll have seen this?

Maureen

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 15 Feb 2006, 14:56

Anyone know what has become of the 'clean water'indicator sign on the prom by the baths?

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 15 Feb 2006, 19:31

mr magnolia wrote:Anyone know what has become of the 'clean water'indicator sign on the prom by the baths?

It hibernates during the winter!! Honest. It went a few months ago and will no doubt re-appear around April (?). Same happened last year.

Edited next day - I think May/June would be a more accurate as likely sea too cold for most until then. Although I do sometimes espy some brave souls swimming off-season!!

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 17 Feb 2006, 12:57

Zargonian · Post by **Zargonian** » 20 Apr 2006, 11:19

Porty is a lovely place, I love living here.

I don't have a dog, or any animal for that matter, but I feel that dog owners, horse owners, Rhino owners or even the occasional Giraffe should be allowed to wander along the beach, promenade.

My mates have got dogs etc, and I know how much they appreciate the walk with their animals.
As correctly pointed out, it is a minority who let their animals foul the beach and the litter louts should be stamped on.
Perhaps the cigarette police should be involved in monitoring this, instead of getting browny points for nailing anyone who's dropped their cig!

Which also raises another point:

As the law is against dropping ciggy buts cos they are not easily bio-degradable, (I know it's litter also) ......does the same apply to filter-less rollies?

As rolled cigs can / sometimes have no offending filter is that illegal?

Rant over, answers on a postcard.

[quote][/quote]

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 20 Apr 2006, 11:37

Zargonian wrote:Porty is a lovely place, I love living here.

me too

rathbone · Post by **rathbone** » 20 Apr 2006, 14:30

Just by way of demonstration that nothing changes, the following is from the letters page of the Scotsman for 18 May 1867:

Sir,
Your correspondent ATPOâ€™s letter, published in your paper yesterday, contains statements calculated to create a false impression as to the present state of the Portobello beach. It is a sheer misrepresentation on the part of ATPO to describe our beach as shamefully neglected for in truth the Promenade and beach were never in such fine condition as at present. Your correspondent appears to have been intent on having a bite at the municipal authorities and from party feeling to have been unmindful of the injurious effect of his remarks upon the interest and prosperity of the town. Such letters are not likely to lead to any further extension of shop premises.
I am, etc.
AMOC

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 02 Jun 2006, 16:52

mr magnolia wrote:Anyone know what has become of the 'clean water'indicator sign on the prom by the baths?

Came back yesterday, Mr M!!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 26 Aug 2006, 12:59

A dip in the water quality at Portobello is being attributed to heavy rainfall during the testing period:

Magnificent seven beaches

Spector · Post by **Spector** » 03 Nov 2006, 14:33

Not trying to be funny. I don't cycle on the prom. But, my 3 year was playing on the beach the other day with is toys. A dog came up, pee'd on his digger and ran off. The owner couple who were walking along the prom just shrugged when challenged. Given the dangers being laid against bikes that are visable surely a dog ban should be much more important as the pee and poo that they leave behind is not obvious and as children are running around using their hands this is a serious concern.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 03 Nov 2006, 14:37

Spector wrote:Not trying to be funny. I don't cycle on the prom. But, my 3 year was playing on the beach the other day with is toys. A dog came up, pee'd on his digger and ran off. .

I hope you don't mind me seeing the funny side but I tell you what Spector, if you are not a comedy writer already and that is you trying not to be funny then you have missed your vocation.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 07 May 2007, 15:13

Poppy wrote:
mr magnolia wrote:Anyone know what has become of the 'clean water'indicator sign on the prom by the baths?
Came back yesterday, Mr M!!

That was in June 2006. It's a month early this year! It was just saying "Welcome to Portobello" when I saw it on my way to work this morning; don't know when it starts saying anything about the water quality.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 07 May 2007, 17:01

Poppy wrote: It was just saying "Welcome to Portobello" when I saw it on my way to work this morning

I think that's what they call a "holding statement".

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 18 May 2007, 16:25

From today's EN:

Beaches struggling to pass quality test

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 28 May 2010, 09:35

The latest from 'The Good Beach Guide' compiled by the Marine Conservation Society is that Portobello West (King's Road) has passed at 'European designated bathing water' status, but Portobello Central (James Street) has gained the highest level award of 'MSC recommended'

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 28 May 2010, 11:51

From today's EN:

Portobello beach sees improvement in its water quality

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 May 2010, 12:55

It's time we took another look at what is required to attain the Seaside Award. On the way to Anstruther yesterday, I passed signs directing me to several beaches that boasted this accolade.

The Council needs to be reminded that Portobello is Edinburgh's Seaside. The beach is a huge asset, not just for local people, but for Edinburgh as a city and as a tourist destination.

A Beach Management Group should be tasked with putting in place the 30 criteria that are required for the award.

http://coastal.keepscotlandbeautiful.or ... iteria.pdf

Lambie · Post by **Lambie** » 12 Jun 2010, 09:23

I've put a link on the Porty Beach Sign thread that might also be relevant here.

Post by **wangi** » 24 May 2011, 10:05

The Seaside Awards were announced yesterday by Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), and a no-show for Portobello Beach.

It's not that it failed any of the criteria; it simply wasn't considered because Edinburgh Council never even submitted an application for Portobello Beach (confirmed by KSB).

Portobello Beach is an asset to our city, and should be promoted much more strongly by the council.

Kingdom of Fife has the crown jewels of Scotland's coastline
Scottish beaches win flag awards

L/

Lambie · Post by **Lambie** » 24 May 2011, 10:09

I'm so shocked by this that just writing this has taken me five minutes.

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 24 May 2011, 11:08

What's the council's excuse this time? Perhaps they couldn't afford a map that included all of Edinburgh.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 24 May 2011, 11:14

wangi wrote: It's not that it failed any of the criteria; it simply wasn't considered because Edinburgh Council never even submitted an application for Portobello Beach (confirmed by KSB).

L/

I'm not sure it would have passed the criteria even if it had been entered. For example,

22. Beach supervision throughout the summer season should be provided.

Beach supervision could be provided by beach lifeguard staff, beach patrol staff, first aid officers, beach officers or a combination.

And then there's also the small matter of

10. Easy and safe access to the beach must be provided for all.

Makaveli · Post by **Makaveli** » 24 May 2011, 11:24

How is there not easy and safe access for all to the beach?

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