Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, has visited the Seafield Waste Water Treatment Works in Edinburgh to review plans for a major new investment aimed at enhancing the site's odour performance.

The upcoming project focuses on improving sludge storage at the facility, building upon previous initiatives designed to contain and treat potential odour emissions. Although global market conditions had previously slowed progress, construction is now expected to commence this summer, subject to final approvals, with a completion date targeted for the end of 2027.

The visit was hosted by local MSP Ben Macpherson, who has chaired the Seafield stakeholder group since 2016. The ministerial party, which included representatives from Veolia and Scottish Water, also discussed the site's long-term transition back to Scottish Water ownership in 2029 and the challenges posed by 'unflushable' items within the city's sewer network.

Professor Simon Parsons, Director for Planning, Environment and Assurance at Scottish Water, said: "The stakeholder group at Seafield has played a crucial role over many years in scrutinising and supporting our efforts to ensure the site can serve its essential purpose with as little impact as possible on neighbouring communities. While there is no single solution to challenges with odour, a combination of investment and sustained operational effort has delivered real progress. This latest investment builds on that and prepares for the site's longer-term future—continuing to serve a flourishing Capital, protect our environment and maximise the generation of green energy."

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Mark Wilson, Director of Northern Region at Veolia, added: "Veolia is proud to work in collaboration with Scottish Water and local stakeholders to continuously improve the site. These improvements will directly benefit and reduce any impact on local residents and businesses. 2025 was a record year for Seafield, with more green electricity generated than ever before, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and ecological transformation. We have been working closely with Scottish Water to secure final approvals for the latest plans, and will ensure the work is delivered safely, whilst continuing to serve customers and protect the environment."

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: "It is vital that we improve and protect Scotland's waste water network, to ensure the needs of society, economy and environment can be met and maintained for future generations. I welcome this investment into Scotland's largest waste water treatment plant. Seafield is an important asset for the local area and the investment reflects ongoing engagement with local residents and businesses to address concerns on odour."

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Leith, added: "The progress that has been made at Seafield in the last decade has only been possible thanks to years of hard work by many people, not least the members of the site's stakeholder group. Working with local campaigners and partners, together we have secured significant investment in the facility that will make a meaningful and impactful difference, to notably reduce odour risk and further enhance performance. I'm grateful that the Cabinet Secretary was able to visit the site at this time, to emphasise the Scottish Government's commitment to investing in Seafield, as we approach the first of several important milestones relating to the asset in the years ahead."