An emergency response safety exercise, which simulates an oil spill in the Firth of Forth, will take place on Wednesday 3^rd September in the vicinity of Granton Beach.

Safety is a top priority for Forth Ports and Clearwater Forth – the oil pollution preparedness, response and cooperation plan – is tested annually by Forth Ports in different areas around the River Forth. City of Edinburgh Council will partner with Forth Ports for the exercise this year and it is likely that the exercise will result in some activity around Granton Beach.

Residents and walkers should not be alarmed by this activity. It is a training exercise only and there is no risk to the environment. The area will remain open but there will be specialist equipment in use, so members of the public are advised to remain at a safe distance.

Captain Alan McPherson, Chief Harbour Master, Forth Ports, said: “No-one in the local area of Granton should be alarmed if they see activity on the shore front, it’s a training exercise and there is no risk to the environment, people or property. The Clearwater Forth annual exercise helps us, and multi agenices involved, to improve emergency procedures and be better placed to protect the local communities and the environment should a real oil spillage ever occur in the river.”

Clearwater Forth is an established emergency response plan designed to handle incidents on the river which may involve the risk of oil pollution. The plan is the responsibility of Forth Ports and is only required to be tested every three years. However, Forth Ports tests this on an annual basis as the ports group views safety as a priority.

27 August 2025                                               – Ends –