Protecting North East Fife’s Waters

I know that water, and how we manage it, is becoming one of our greatest environmental challenges and that’s why I’ve been working hard to highlight the problems and push for solutions.

Tackling Sewage and the Monitoring Gap

One of the biggest issues facing our waterways is sewage pollution. While recent headlines have focused on sewage discharges in England, the situation in Scotland is far from reassuring. A major problem here is the lack of proper monitoring: unlike in England, many Scottish sites have no monitoring infrastructure at all, meaning we don’t even know the scale of the problem.

This is especially concerning when I hear directly from constituents about the impact on local places like Lower Largo. The beautiful coastal stretch there has seen complaints about sewage outflows that affect both the local environment and our vital hospitality and tourism sectors.

Protecting Our Coastlines

North East Fife’s coastline is one of our greatest assets. From the beaches of Levenmouth to the golf courses and seaside towns that we get to enjoy, which also bring in visitors year-round, our seas and shores are vital to our economy and wellbeing. But they’re under threat from pollution, coastal erosion, and climate change.

That’s why I was proud to take part in a Beach of Dreams event a few weeks ago which is part of a UK-wide coastal arts festival that explores our shared relationship with the sea and what it means in the face of the climate crisis.

Infrastructure and the Road Ahead

Another big concern raised with me is the disruption caused by ageing water infrastructure. Residents often contact me about frequent roadworks linked to water pipe repairs, an ongoing source of frustration. We need long-term investment in sustainable infrastructure that doesn’t just fix the symptoms but addresses the causes of poor water management.

Standing Up for North East Fife

Whether it’s campaigning for better sewage monitoring, supporting farmers hit by extreme weather, or working to protect our coastlines, I’ll keep pushing in Parliament to make sure water is properly protected for future generations.