The Reader's Digest Good Beach Guide (A popular magazine in both Scotland and England)- said that the problem of poorly treated sewage was acute on most of Scotlands 5800 miles of beach.

Since Tory deregulation of the water industry and Westminsters lack of committment to adhere to European laws governing environmental protection Scotlands beaches have been laid waste (literally). New Labour is not helping.

"Unfortunately, Scotland does pretty poorly in the guide this year," said author Chris Davis. "Despite having 5800 miles of coastline - bigger than England and Wales - only two beaches within a few miles of each other make the grade."