Just two years ago, high levels of bacteria were routinely recorded in and around the estuary during summer tests carried out by SEPA. At that time the water quality at Broughty was amongst the poorest in Britain.

However, last summer was the first bathing season after completion of the £100m Hatton wastewater project and the effects on water quality of the removal of sewage were almost immediate and the beach found itself to be amongst the cleanest in Europe, easily meeting the highest EU standards.

SEPA has described Broughty Ferry as one of the “success stories” of this year’s results. Easthaven and Monifieth beaches also received ‘good’ ratings.

Dundee City Council administration leader Jill Shimi said, “I am absolutely delighted to hear Broughty Ferry beach has received the excellent rating.

“This is a sign of all the hard work which has been put in by the city council and the many local groups in Broughty Ferry who have worked tirelessly to improve conditions on the beach. This gives us an excellent foundation for achieving blue flag status.”

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison has been actively campaigning for Broughty Ferry beach to be awarded designated bathing status by the Executive, which would mean they would provide investment to ensure the beach retained the high quality.

She said, “This is excellent news for Broughty Ferry beach and this should help secure yellow and blue flag status, both of which I would like to see obtained within this year.

“I hope this high rating will convince the Executive to award Broughty beach designated bathing status as this would lead to investment in Broughty Ferry and an increase in tourism for the area.”

The overall results of the 2003 programme are the best since monitoring began. With the 2003 sampling programme now complete, 95% (57 out of 60) of Scotland’s identified bathing waters have met European quality standards.

The number of waters attaining the higher “guideline” quality standards has also substantially increased, with over 60% reaching the guideline standard – much better than previous results.

The final results for other bathing waters also show an overall trend of good results, with 91% of them (48 of 53) meeting EU standards.

Welcoming the results, Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson said, “While the preliminary results achieved for the 2003 bathing season are the best ever for Scotland's designated bathing waters, we are by no means complacent.

“The Executive is committed to working for a cleaner and safer environment. Our goal must be to see all of Scotland's bathing waters meet the mandatory standards.”