DUMBARTON'S constituency MSP has welcomed efforts to improve water quality at Luss.

Jackie Baillie spoke out following the news that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is to work with Argyll and Bute Council, Luss Estates, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Scottish Water, local businesses and residents to focus on improving the water quality at the popular lochside village.

Ms Baillie told the Reporter: “With the waters of Luss Bay being classed as ‘sufficient’ during the recent classification, I welcome the investment by SEPA, in partnership with local agencies, residents and business owners in the area to improve upon this.

“The village of Luss is an important part of the local tourism economy within the Loch Lomond area and it should be well maintained.

“I look forward to also finding out more about the steps which will be taken by the National Park as we head into the tourist season next year to prevent the dangerous use of jetskis close to the shore where many people enjoy swimming.”

The comments came after a report which has seen the highest ever number of areas of Scottish water classified as ‘excellent’.

Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s principal scientist for bathing waters, said: “Seeing the long-term bathing water quality improvements reflected in this year’s results demonstrates that the sustained hard work by public bodies, private businesses and communities has made a real improvement across Scotland.

“More of our bathing waters will be rated ‘excellent’ than ever before and, overall, 98 per cent are meeting strict environmental standards. We have the largest number of designated bathing waters on record which is good news for the increasing popularity of wild swimming and the communities, businesses and visitors who enjoy our coastlines.

“This has demonstrated the success of driving improvements in water quality through targeted regulation and partnership working. SEPA will continue to work to protect and improve water quality across Scotland with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, public bodies, farmers and local communities and businesses. We will use our expertise to provide advice and guidance, recommend actions and – when it is appropriate to do so - take robust enforcement action.”