Bathing water profile - Nairn (East)
Last reviewed: 24 April 2025
Bathing water classification and sample resultsBathing water description
Nairn (East) bathing water is on the Moray Firth, next to the town of Nairn, in the Highlands. It is a relatively wide bay, about 1 km long. Nairn is a popular seaside town. The beach is popular with families and water sports enthusiasts, including sailors, windsurfers and kite surfers. Depending on the tide, the distance to the water’s edge can vary from 0–160 metres. The beach slopes gently towards the water.
Site details:
- Local authority: Highland Council
- Year of designation: 1987
- Water sampling location: NH 89106 57461
Risks to water quality
This bathing water is subject to short term pollution following heavy rainfall. Bathing is not advised during or 1-2 days after heavy rainfall due to the risk to bathers’ health from water pollution.
Pollution risks include agricultural run-off, sewer overflows and surface water discharges.
Water quality forecasts
As water quality is likely to be impacted by rainfall we make daily predictions of good or poor bathing water quality. We advise against bathing when poor water quality is predicted as there is an increased risk to bathers’ health from water pollution.
These predictions are displayed on the electronic sign at the beach and online between 15 May and 15 September.
Catchment description
The Nairn (East) bathing water catchment extends to 338 km2. The area varies from high mountains in the south-west to low-lying areas along the coast.
River Nairn is the main river in the catchment. It bisects the Nairn (East) and Nairn (Central) bathing waters. Prevailing currents tend to carry freshwater from the River Nairn eastwards towards the bathing water.
Land use in the River Nairn catchment is largely agricultural. There is intensively farmed arable land in the lower catchment. Rough pasture and livestock farming more common further inland. Approximately 1% of the catchment is urban. The main population centre is the town of Nairn. The population outside of Nairn is mainly concentrated in nearby villages. The area also includes some intensive and large-scale industrial activity.
View this Bathing Water on our interactive Map ServiceImproving bathing water quality
Sewage
The Nairn (East) bathing water catchment extends to 338 km2. The area varies from high mountains in the south-west to low-lying areas along the coast.
River Nairn is the main river in the catchment. It bisects the Nairn (East) and Nairn (Central) bathing waters. Prevailing currents tend to carry freshwater from the River Nairn eastwards towards the bathing water.
Land use in the River Nairn catchment is largely agricultural. There is intensively farmed arable land in the lower catchment. Rough pasture and livestock farming more common further inland. Approximately 1% of the catchment is urban. The main population centre is the town of Nairn. The population outside of Nairn is mainly concentrated in nearby villages. The area also includes some intensive and large-scale industrial activity.
Agriculture
Diffuse pollution from agricultural sources is the result of rain driven events causing cumulative inputs of pollutants to rivers and streams.
There is potential for agricultural diffuse pollution to occur in the River Nairn Burn, which could impact on the bathing beach following heavy rain.
Farm visits in this area were undertaken as part of the River Nairn priority catchment campaign in 2016. These visits looked to identify diffuse pollution sources and pathways. Mitigation measures were agreed with land managers to reduce the risk of bacterial pollution on water quality.
SEPA has observed significant changes in land management practice within the catchments and will continue to work with farmers to reduce the risk of pollution to the bathing water.
Urban
The River Nairn is known to be affected by surface water run-off from Nairn town. SEPA is monitoring the potential impact from surface water run-off on bathing water quality.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), algae and jellyfish
Marine waters are not at risk of cyanobacteria overproduction. This bathing water is not at risk of excessive growth of macroalgae (seaweed) or phytoplankton.
The possibility of increased jellyfish numbers in the water during summer months is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Most species common to the UK are harmless; the Marine Conservation Society advises to ‘look but don’t touch’.
Pollution incidents
Pollution can be reported via our website online form or by calling our 24 hours a day Pollution Hotline number 0800 80 70 60
If pollution is reported to us, or identified by our routine water quality monitoring program, we will investigate and where necessary work with others to remediate. We may contact other relevant organisations including the local authority, that local health board, Scottish Water and Scottish Ministers.
If there is a risk to human health the local authority is responsible for placing signs at the bathing water. Information will also be available on our website.
Everyone can help to keep the bathing water clean:
- If you visit the beach with your dog clear up any fouling
- Don’t leave litter or feed birds - this encourages unnatural behaviour, and they can pollute the water
- At home, don’t flush wipes or other inappropriate items as these can block pipes and cause sewage spills
Pollution can be reported via our website online form or by calling our 24 hours a day Pollution Hotline number 0800 80 70 60
If pollution is reported to us, or identified by our routine water quality monitoring program, we will investigate and where necessary work with others to remediate. We may contact other relevant organisations including the local authority, that local health board, Scottish Water and Scottish Ministers.
If there is a risk to human health the local authority is responsible for placing signs at the bathing water. Information will also be available on our website.
Everyone can help to keep the bathing water clean:
- If you visit the beach with your dog clear up any fouling
- Don’t leave litter or feed birds - this encourages unnatural behaviour, and they can pollute the water
- At home, don’t flush wipes or other inappropriate items as these can block pipes and cause sewage spills