Dry weather leaves Scottish rivers 'among lowest on record'

A period of dry weather has left river flows in parts of the country among the lowest on record.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned that the situation could result in rivers across the Borders, Angus, Aberdeenshire and Fife reaching “significant scarcity” in the coming days.

Water conditions across much of the country have deteriorated, with scarcity most severe across eastern and southern Scotland.

Most parts of eastern Scotland have recorded less than 10mm of rainfall during July, while Angus has received less than 3mm over the past three weeks. Parts of Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms have also experienced “exceptionally dry conditions”.

A prolonged lack of rainfall has left soils described as “very dry”, and many rivers are experiencing prolonged low flows.

Berwickshire Coastal, Whiteadder Water, Lower Tweed, Lunan Water, Lower Don, Fife (East Neuk) and North Fife are expected to move into significant scarcity within days. This could result in targeted restrictions on licensed water abstractions.

SEPA has urged farmers, businesses and other licensed abstractors who have not already done so to put measures in place to reduce abstraction where possible.

Some farmers told STV News that they have started watering crops earlier than normal to maintain profitable yields.

Shona McConnell, SEPA’s head of compliance, said: “Weeks of exceptionally dry weather are continuing to put pressure on rivers across much of Scotland, particularly in the east, where some river flows are now amongst the lowest on record.

“Since the beginning of May, we’ve been providing weekly updates and practical advice, while working closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association, as well as engaging directly with licence holders in affected areas.

“Our aim has always been to give abstractors as much notice as possible so they can prepare.

“For many abstractors, now is the time to put those plans into action. Reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions and making use of contingency plans can all help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions if exceptionally low river flows continue.”