In January 2023, ERCS made a representation (the term used to submit a request to investigate) to Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) about the Scottish Government’s 150 bathers minimum threshold used to designate bathing waters. Following intervention from ESS, the Scottish Government revised the designation criteria. However, over the summer we learnt from ESS that the Scottish Government has continued to apply the 150 bather threshold in practice to new applications, in addition to new criteria. ERCS will continue to fight for a just outcome, ensuring that bathing water designation is within reach of all communities in Scotland.