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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Scottish Water boss handed £50k pay boost as bills soar for customers
The corporation's annual report showed that chief executive Alex Plant had his salary increased to £295,000 between 2024 and 2025. Scottish Water's boss has been handed a £50,000 pay boost - after bills soared for customers this year. The corporation's annual report showed that chief executive Alex Plant had his salary increased to £295,000 between 2024 and 2025. His total package, including pension contributions, grew by £40,000, to a total of £523,000. Chief operating officer Peter Farrer saw his salary fall by around £20,000 but his overall package increase to £312,000. Chief financial officer Alan Dingwall – who joined the firm last year – was paid a salary of £175,000 and a total package of £293,000. The total cost of Scottish Water's senior executive salaries rose from just more than £1.1 million to almost £1.4 million between 2024 and 2025. It comes after Scots faced a near 10 per cent hike in water charges this year. Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: 'People across Scotland are struggling to make ends meet, yet the wages of bosses at Scottish Water are eye-watering and continue to rise. 'This will stick in the craw for people across the country, with water bills having inflation-busting increases, by almost 10% in April this year, after a rise of 8.8% last year. 'Chief executive Alex Plant has warned about the need for increased investment yet is still happy to be handed a huge boost in his salary of almost £50,000. 'On top of that, bosses are also picking up hefty incentive bonuses totalling more than £230,000, just for doing the job they are already paid for, all at the expense of Scottish taxpayers. 'Scottish Labour has previously called for water rates to be frozen, but the SNP have chosen to sit on their hands. The time for excuses is over and action is needed now.' A spokesman for Scottish Water said: 'Scottish Water is one of the largest and best-performing utilities in the UK, but executive pay is significantly lower than in similarly sized private companies, where we need to compete for talent. 'Across the business, the biggest percentage pay rises have been given to the lowest-paid workers, narrowing the gap between the chief executive's pay and median employee earnings, which is already much smaller than the pay ratios in other companies of our scale. 'Total remuneration also includes pension contributions and variable pay related to performance, which is only paid when the business delivers strong results, as it did last year, with 94% customer satisfaction. 'Every Scottish Water employee is eligible for an annual outperformance payment.' The Scottish Government have been contacted for comment.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Scottish Water calls on people to behave responsibly around watercourses during warm weather
Figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) show that in 2024 there were a total of 33 accidental drownings in Scotland, and 193 across the UK. Scottish Water is calling on people in Lanarkshire to stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks around watercourses such as reservoirs, rivers, lochs and beaches during the warm weather forecast this weekend. Figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) show that in 2024 there were a total of 33 accidental drownings in Scotland, and 193 across the UK. Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's chief operating officer, said: "While people should enjoy any good weather we have and take pleasure at Scotland's beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers and beaches, it's absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and act responsibly.c Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android "As a number of tragic deaths in Scotland in recent years have shown, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water. "At reservoirs, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards. "We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking everyone to behave responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses." Deep, cold water is a particular danger at reservoirs, which are working parts of Scottish Water's infrastructure. Dams, steep banks, spillways (overflows) and underwater pipework can also present real hazards. Many of the utility's reservoirs are situated in remote locations, meaning there is a lack of immediate assistance and mobile phone reception can be poor. In the interests of public safety, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming in its reservoirs. The company's reservoir safety advice is also targeted at pet owners. One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their dog gets in trouble in water and the owner enters the water body in an attempt to help it. Sometimes the dog survives but the owner doesn't. A team of Scottish Water reservoir rangers is helping visitors enjoy some of the country's most popular locations and promoting water safety at reservoirs. A water safety video can be viewed at
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Water safety warning as Scotland heats up this weekend
The utility company is advising people to "stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks" around reservoirs, rivers, lochs, and beaches. The warning comes as figures from the National Water Safety Forum reveal there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024 and 193 across the UK. To equip people with basic water safety knowledge and skills, Scottish Water is collaborating with Water Safety Scotland to hold a Water Safety Open Day on July 25, in support of World Drowning Prevention Day. Read more: Kneecap slate John Swinney at Glasgow gig after TRNSMT axe The annual event will be held at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, from 11am to 4pm. Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: "While people should enjoy any good weather we have and take pleasure at Scotland's beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers, and beaches, it's absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and act responsibly. "As a number of tragic deaths in Scotland in recent years have shown, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water. "At reservoirs, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. "We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards. "We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking everyone to behave responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.' Reservoirs, which are integral to Scottish Water's infrastructure, pose specific hazards including deep, cold water, dams, steep banks, spillways, and underwater pipework. The remote locations of many reservoirs mean there is often a lack of immediate assistance and poor mobile phone reception. As such, Scottish Water discourages swimming in these bodies of water. The company's safety advice extends to pet owners, as attempting to rescue pets in trouble in the water can result in fatalities. Scottish Water reservoir rangers patrol popular locations including Milngavie, Gladhouse, Kilpatrick Hills, Carron Valley, North Third, and Cocksburn. The company is also reminding people to stay hydrated, encouraging them to take reusable bottles wherever they venture this weekend. Their Top Up Tap map shows the location of over 130 taps across the country, including in towns, cities, parks, and at the coast.
Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Thousands of adults and children learn to swim in Scotland
Thousands in Edinburgh learn to swim with the innovative programme MORE than 210,000 people across Scotland have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to a pioneering national programme that's making waves in water safety and inclusion. The Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, has now supported 210,337 children and adults across Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the last 7 years. Every week, 83,777 children and adults take part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland – a 2% increase on last year's total, this includes 8,533 people in Edinburgh. The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including 13 pools in Edinburgh. Looking ahead, The Learn to Swim Framework now has ambitions to reach a further 50,000 children by 2028. John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is an incredible milestone and testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and instructors across Scotland. 'The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and adults build confidence, stay active, and most importantly, stay safer in and around water. To reach more than 210,000 participants is a fantastic achievement.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'It's fantastic to reach this latest milestone – we are delighted the Learn to Swim programme continues to go from strength to strength –with around 84,000 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week. 'Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence. 'We are proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.' Preschool-aged children now make up 20% of the programme, with over 16,000 of Scotland's youngest learners starting their learn to swim journey early. The number of adults taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons has also grown, with an 8% increase over the past year, rising from 1,704 to 1,840 participants. Importantly, the programme is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level – and the programme is now also reaching more children with disabilities than ever before. There are now 2,745 children with disabilities currently in Learn to Swim lessons, with 81% of them taking part in mainstream lessons, a significant rise from 66% in 2024. This includes children who have completed the programme and are now confident swimmers, the total number of children and adults supported in the last seven years stands at 210,337. This year also marks 10 years since the launch of the Learn to Swim Framework, which has grown year-on-year and now operates in partnership with 38 leisure providers across Scotland. The Learn to Swim Framework developed by Scottish Swimming and delivered by partners across Scotland, ensures consistent quality of swimming lessons through supportive and inclusive learn to swim environments which help children and adults to be confident, safer and competent swimmers. The Framework is delivered in a fun and engaging way, encouraging people to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and enjoyment at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out. Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Over 7500 people across South Lanarkshire take part in Learn to Swim National Framework
The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including nine pools in South Lanarkshire. Over 7500 people across South Lanarkshire have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to a pioneering national programme making waves in water safety and inclusion. The Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, has now supported 210,337 children and adults across Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the last seven years. Every week, 83,777 children and adults take part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland – a two per cent increase on last year's total. This includes 7587 people in South Lanarkshire, which is an increase of one per cent in the last year. The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including nine pools in South Lanarkshire. Looking ahead, The Learn to Swim Framework now has ambitions to reach a further 50,000 children by 2028. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android John Lunn, chief executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is an incredible milestone and testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and instructors across Scotland. 'The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and adults build confidence, stay active, and most importantly, stay safer in and around water. To reach more than 210,000 participants is a fantastic achievement.' Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: 'It's fantastic to reach this latest milestone – we are delighted the Learn to Swim programme continues to go from strength to strength –with around 84,000 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week. 'Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence. 'We are proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.' Preschool-aged children now make up 20 per cent of the programme, with over 16,000 of Scotland's youngest learners starting their learn to swim journey early. The number of adults taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons has also grown, with an eight per cent increase over the past year, rising from 1704 to 1840 participants. Importantly, the programme is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level – and the programme is now also reaching more children with disabilities than ever before. There are now 2745 children with disabilities currently in Learn to Swim lessons, with 81 per cent of them taking part in mainstream lessons, a significant rise from 66 per cent in 2024. This includes children who have completed the programme and are now confident swimmers, the total number of children and adults supported in the last seven years stands at 210,337. This year also marks 10 years since the launch of the Learn to Swim Framework, which has grown year-on-year and now operates in partnership with 38 leisure providers across Scotland. The Learn to Swim Framework developed by Scottish Swimming and delivered by partners across Scotland, ensures consistent quality of swimming lessons through supportive and inclusive learn to swim environments which help children and adults to be confident, safer and competent swimmers. The Framework is delivered in a fun and engaging way, encouraging people to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and enjoyment at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out.
