First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to intervene in a row about the downgrading of a Wester Ross sewage treatment plant.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant told the SNP leader she had been “inundated” with concerns from constituents in Gairloch who were “incensed and anxious” about the move.
Scottish Water has proposed using an ultra-violet filtration system on sewage for five months of the year, with waste water to be treated in settling tanks before being discharged during the rest of the year.
It has also said it is considering ways to extend the UV treatment at its Fasaich treatment works.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), which has approved Scottish Water’s plans, said there would be no environmental impact on Loch Gairloch by the plans.
But at first minister’s questions Ms Grant said Gairloch would be left with an “inferior, downgraded system”.
She asked: “Does the first minister think that it is acceptable for that to happen to some of our most beautiful coastline, or will the government intervene to protect water quality in the area?”
Ms Sturgeon responded: “First, let me express a great degree of sympathy with that question and the sentiment behind it.
“However, as Rhoda Grant will be aware, a formal process occurs in such cases. As I understand it, ministers have now received a formal request to review Scottish Water’s application to SEPA.
“Given that fact, it would be inappropriate for me to comment in detail any further at this stage.”