Bathing water profile - Gullane

Last reviewed: 13 May 2025

Bathing water classification and sample results

Bathing water description

The Gullane bathing water is near the small town of Gullane in East Lothian. It is a large, sandy bay, approximately 2 km in length. It is a popular family beach ideal for sunbathing, walking, picnics, windsurfing and canoeing. Depending on the tide, the distance to the water’s edge can vary from 30–250m. The beach slopes gently towards the water.

Site details:

Local authority: East Lothian Council
Year of designation: 1987
Water sampling location: NT 47491 83319

Risks to water quality

Our water quality monitoring indicates that there are no significant pollution inputs to this bathing water under normal situations, including after rainfall.

There remains a risk that water pollution may occur after extreme rainfall.

Catchment description

The catchment draining into the Gullane bathing water extends to 2.8 km2. The area is mainly rural (87%) with grassland the major land use. Approximately 5% of the catchment is urban. The main population centre is Gullane.

There are no major rivers within the catchment.

View this Bathing Water on our interactive Map Service

Improving bathing water quality

Sewage

Scottish Water provides most waste water collection and treatment services in Scotland.

Sewage from the Gullane area is treated at Gullane sewage treatment works and discharged to the Firth of Forth via a long sea outfall.

Agriculture

There are no impacts from agriculture affecting this bathing water.

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