Clean air is important for our health and wellbeing and our natural heritage. In Scotland we generally have good air quality compared to the rest of the UK, Europe and in a global context, however there are localised air pollution hotspots in our towns and cities. As well as generating our own sources of air pollutants from transport, industry and land use we are affected by pollutants carried in incoming air masses which is termed transboundary pollution. Volcanic ash, sub-Saharan dust and radioactive particles are some of the range of pollutants that can be transported long distances and have an impact on Scottish air quality

Breathe Scotland is a cleaner air initiative and aims to raise awareness of air pollution and its impacts on public health and the environment in a balanced and factual manner and is led by Environmental Protection Scotland.

The information provided on this website is based upon the most reliable air quality monitoring data and scientific opinion on the potential impacts of air pollution both on human health and the environment. Environmental Protection Scotland is an independent organisation which aims to provide impartial and scientifically sound information on a variety of environmental issues including air quality.

EPS is an active member of EFCA – the European Federation of Clean Air and Environmental Protection Assocations.