Latest news with #ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Dumfries and Galloway river levels begin to recover as dry spell ends
The Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree catchment areas have been downgraded from 'moderate scarcity' to 'alert' level. Rivers levels in Dumfries and Galloway are beginning to recover after rain finally arrived in the region. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has downgraded the Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree catchment areas from 'moderate scarcity' to 'alert' level after the warm, dry spell came to an end. However, the recovery may only be temporary and, even with recent rain, groundwater remains low in many places. SEPA's head of environmental performance, Kenny Boag, said: 'We've had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery. There has been some relief in parts of the west, for many river catchments the long-term deficit remains. "It's a complex picture, and while we welcome signs of recovery in some areas, most of the east coast continues to experience water stress. 'Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference. 'SEPA continue to work closely with abstractors and sectors using water from our environment in the areas facing sustained water scarcity. Clear, early communication is being provided so no one is caught off guard. "We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy - but we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive. 'Balancing economic and environmental needs is at the heart of our role as a regulator. If restrictions are put in place, they will be proportionate and in place for a short time as possible. "But we will act where necessary to protect the water environment because it underpins Scotland's economy, communities and way of life.' SEPA is continuing to ask farmers, producers and manufacturers to continue using water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA's website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk.
The National
7 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Scotland's planning system is a open door to gold-diggers
Flamingo Land appealed at the end of last year and rather than a public inquiry being held, we have a government 'reporter' who makes decisions on behalf of the Scottish administration, disregarding local democracy. Where do the views of the parks authority, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the transport authorities, the local council and the general public – currently 178,000 of them – come in? READ MORE: Woodland Trust calls on Government to reject Flamingo Land plans This isn't the first time this has happened. Remember Trump's golf course, or the nine fish farm refusals which were overturned? We have a corrupt system. It allows decisions to be made outwith public or parliamentary scrutiny and is an open door for unscrupulous gold-diggers. Writing to planning minister Ivan McKee doesn't address the local democracy deficit nor does it prevent another Flamingo Land. There's another option. The Referendums (Scotland) Act 2020 allows for a vote to take place on any controversial content – like this one. The Scottish administration should use it. But if it won't consult the people, Scotland Decides can do it for them. It has a platform for verifiable voting that accords with national and international standards. Concerned citizens just need to register on the Scotland Decides website, as well as sign public petition PE2135 to enact the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which would give the people direct political rights and the right to self-determination. The minister for the constitution, Angus Robertson, has failed to support the petition, which speaks volumes about the seriousness of this administration when it comes to protecting our rights. David Younger Tighnabruaich IT'S reported a city congestion charge in Edinburgh is to be revisited, mooted by Green Councillor Chas Booth as needed for the council to meet its climate emergency commitments. Don't we recognise this to be an outright lie? Were this true then private vehicles could be prohibited – that would impact all equally and help meet climate commitments – rather than a charging scheme that reserves city driving space for the wealthier, driving their large, gas-guzzling SUVs which are the very last vehicles that should be allowed access. READ MORE: Edinburgh residents urge Hearts to do more to stop illegal parking And isn't the move towards electric vehicles – along with the LEZ scheme that was foisted on us – supposed to address climate matters? How many times are we to drink from this poisoned climate chalice? High parking charges, increased licensing fees, LEZ fines, bus lane fines, the iniquitous greed-inspired tourist tax and the whopping savage increase in Council Tax – there's no relief for those subsisting on even just the bare state pension. Isn't congestion charging just another way this city council can dip its greedy fingers into our pockets? Over many years of the larceny perpetrated by Edinburgh's council, citizenship has been rebranded, with us becoming individual cash-generation centres. The galling thing is, where are the improvements to city life that can be laid directly at the door of this cash-guzzling council that cleans the city centre for tourists but fails in so many areas of responsibility like emptying overflowing street bins, clearing weeds, cleaning drains and replacing the unnecessary street furniture and decrepit speed bumps they have inflicted on us? Pedestrianise the city centre, keep private vehicles out, yes. But no discrimination in favour of the wealthy against ordinary folks. NO to any congestion charge. Jim Taylor Edinburgh IN his recent article, Tommy Sheppard states: 'We're all going to die. And we all hope it will be quick and painless ... what if the last months of your life become an endurance test of agonising pain without respite? Wouldn't you want the right to end it? I know I would. And I'd want public health professionals to help me' (Plenty of those with disabilities want to see assisted dying law changes, May 19). I think he will find, if he cares to look at the definition of palliative care as defined by the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, that it covers all the points he raises. The important difference is, however, that the 'assisted dying' provided by palliative care does not seek to help you kill yourself by means of suicide, but seeks to provide adequate pain relief for the mental, physical and spiritual pain felt by the patient and their family. What we need is more palliative care to be made more widely available so that we can each, along with our relatives, be afforded the opportunity to participate in a truly dignified death free from the 'agonising pain without respite' that Tommy Sheppard and others like to reference. Only palliative care at the end of our life can supply that; there is no dignity in suicide. Margaret Tuckerman Buckie
The National
23-05-2025
- Climate
- The National
Scotland weather to change as 'heavy' rains break long dry spell
The Met Office's rain radar shows that the wet weather front is due to make landfall in the Hebrides at around 3-4pm on Friday. The rain will then continue to move east, bringing rain onto the mainland later in Friday evening and Saturday. The changing weather will come as a relief following a period of water scarcity that has hit every part of Scotland. Here's how Friday is shaping up weather wise ⬇️ — Met Office (@metoffice) May 22, 2025 Alex Deakin, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'The weather patterns are changing just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend. 'It's going to be a messy one, with some welcomed rain, certainly welcomed by many gardeners and farmers, but there'll still be some sunny spells to be had.' Deakin said that the 'first set of weather fronts' would cross the country on Friday night and may be 'heavy for a time'. He said that western Scotland would see heavy, frequent showers, with 'even the chance of the odd rumble of thunder', but that the rain should clear out into the North Sea into Saturday. The Met Office expert further said that an area of low pressure was now sitting north of Britain – where high pressure had been for the past month. He explained: 'The jet stream is becoming a little more energised, not especially strong, but strong enough to pick up this low and send it just to the north of the UK. READ MORE: River Spey at lowest May flow since 1952 as 17 areas at 'moderate water scarcity' 'That will bring a spell of wet weather and some strong winds across the far northwest during Sunday, and further weather fronts with a reasonably active jet stream to follow on behind for Monday.' Although the rain will be a change, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has said that a prolonged spell of wetter weather will be needed to replenish low water levels. Sepa said on Thursday evening that some parts of Fife have seen 'no measurable rainfall' for more than a month, and the ongoing dry spell has seen many of Scotland's rivers fall to 'record lows'. Sepa there is a 'clear' environmental impact from the lack of water, and 'action is expected from abstractors (such as agriculture and industry) to protect rivers and the species that rely on them'. Eilidh Johnston, Sepa's senior manager in water industry and rural economy, warned the agency may have to take 'measures' to restrict water use if the dry weather continues. 'A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather,' she said. 'We need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east. 'It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. Fife has had no significant rain for over a month and groundwater levels are some of the lowest on record for the time of year. So, we're seeing some quite significant issues coming. 'I'm urging anyone who has a licence from Sepa to take water from the environment to ensure you are doing everything you can to use water efficiently. 'If the weather continues without significant additional rain, we'll have to take measures to reduce the amount of water that can be taken from the environment. 'The steps you take now are very important in delaying that action.' The agency has also warned of environmental risks from the first heavy rainfall following a dry spell, due to the water washing pollutants from roads and land into rivers. The agency explained this can create a 'short-term shock' to ecosystems, which it said is a 'known risk' for fish deaths. It appealed to anyone concerned about a 'fish kill' to report it to Sepa as soon as possible so they can ensure there is no ongoing pollution incident. Scottish Water earlier issued a statement thanking Scots for saving 60 million litres of water a day, which it said was helping the company 'protect resources and maintain normal supplies across the country'. Kes Juskowiak, a Scottish Water director, said: 'We'd like to say a massive thank-you to everyone who has helped reduce water demand by using what is a precious resource as efficiently as possible, but we need customers to continue their support and to take whatever measures they can to do so. 'The system remains under significant pressure and so we'd like to encourage everyone to continue to use Scotland's water as efficiently as possible.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Loch Lomond Flamingo Land resort set for approval
The Scottish government is set to give permission for a controversial holiday park development at Loch Lomond, overturning the decision of the national park authority. Theme park operator Flamingo Land wants to build a £40m resort called Lomond Banks, featuring a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants. The proposal sparked protests and was initially rejected in September by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority, who said it did not comply with environmental and nature conservation policies. But that was appealed to the Scottish government reporter, who has now said they intend to grant permission - subject to a legal agreement between Flamingo Land and the park. Development director for Lomond Banks Jim Paterson said it was a "real milestone moment" which had been "a long time in the making". But Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who has been a long-standing critic of the plan, said the development would cause "irreversible damage" and the decision was an "anti-democratic outrage". He added: "Their destructive plans were unanimously rejected by the National Park's board, opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Park's expert planning officers and 155,000 people who joined our Save Loch Lomond campaign. "This greedy developer would not take no for an answer and I am shocked that government officials have put Flamingo Land's interests above the need to protect Loch Lomond. "We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond." More stories from Glasgow & West Scotland More stories from Scotland Dr Heather Reid, convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park authority board, said the board would now take time to consider the implications of the report. She added: "We stand by the reasons for the Board's unanimous decision to refuse this planning application and it is deeply disappointing that the Reporter has taken a different view." The Balloch and Haldane Community Council said it was "deeply disappointed" in the Scottish government's decision which it said "contradicts the expressed will of the community". A spokesperson added: "This is not just a bad planning decision, it is a fundamental failure of democracy and policy. "This decision rides roughshod over the principles of community empowerment, environmental protection, and democratic accountability. "Our community, through proper statutory channels, objected in strong and clear terms." The community council said it plans to challenge the Scottish government's decision. In an 80-page notice of intention, the planning reporter said there had been a "very significant" number of objections to the proposal, with many claiming the site was unsuitable. But he said it did not conflict with the local development plan for the area, or the rules set out in the government's national planning framework. He said the site could operate safely despite being within a flood risk area, and also said there could be "locally significant" benefits in terms of jobs and a boost to the economy. However, the reporter said full permission would only be granted if an agreement could be reached between the developer and the park on the "Lomond Promise". This is a pledge by Flamingo Land to promote local businesses, provide jobs for local people and suppliers, and develop plans to protect the environment and prevent anti-social behaviour. There are 26 weeks for this agreement to be reached - and if it is not, the reporter will reconsider whether to approve or reject the application. Flamingo Land first submitted plans for the site in 2018, but withdrew them the following year after a wave of negative reaction. It submitted updated plans in 2020, insisting the proposal would be a "major step away" from its other resorts, including a theme park and zoo in Yorkshire. But the Loch Lomond park authority board ruled that the updated scheme still conflicted with both regional and national environmental policies. Stuart Pearce, "director of place" for the park authority, previously said the plans created "unacceptable risk" of flooding of the River Leven. More than 174,000 people signing a petition against the project. Mr Paterson, from Lomond Banks, said he was "delighted" with the decision from the Scottish government reporter. "Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders," he said. "At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally-binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond. "As we look beyond today's decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning." The Flamingo Land resort in North Yorkshire has been operating since 1959, initially as a zoo. The name comes from a colony of the brightly coloured birds that were among the first animals on the site at Kirby Misperton. By the 1970s, the zoo was losing money, and the attraction was revamped as a "day out" experience with a growing focus on amusement rides. The Yorkshire site continues to have exotic animals, and there is also a large holiday village with static caravans and lodges. Loch Lomond Flamingo Land resort rejected by park authority
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
Scots urged to be careful with water amid scarcity warning
Driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964 prompts warnings over both water and naked flames Sign up to our Scotsman Rural News - A weekly of the Hay's Way tour of Scotland emailed direct to you. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scots have been urged to be careful with water supplies amid a scarcity across Scotland caused by the driest start to a year since 1964. Scottish Water said it is working to ensure its systems will be able to satisfy demand as the dry weather continues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The latest data from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) show all of Scotland is now at some level of water scarcity. Glencorse reservoir in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh this week | Contributed Most of mainland Scotland's east coast has now moved to "moderate scarcity" level, while most of the rest of the country is at "alert" and only the Inner and Outer Hebrides remain at "early warning". With the dry and warm conditions set to continue this weekend, Scots have also been warned to avoid naked flames and barbecues because an "extreme" risk of wildfires across the country until Monday. READ MORE: Celtic fans urged to avoid unofficial title celebration amid fears of disorder Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland has experienced the driest January to April since 1964, with only 59 per cent of the long-term average rainfall over this period. Water usage has increased by 150 million litres per day across Scotland since the middle of April, with average reservoir levels at 81 per cent - 10 per cent lower than average for this time of year. Scottish Water said Scots are using an average of 178 litres of water per person per day, which is higher than in England and Wales where people use an average of 137 litres per person per day. Advice includes shorter showers and turning off taps The supplier said with the current spell of dry and warm weather continuing, people should make an effort to save water by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing teeth, and using watering cans rather than hoses where appropriate. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It also said washing machines and dishwashers should only be used when fully loaded, and buckets and sponges should be favoured over hoses to wash cars. Scottish Water chief executive Alex Plant said: "We're working hard to maintain normal supplies for all customers and would ask that they use water efficiently to protect this precious resource. "We believe that a large part of the additional water use at the moment is in gardens, so we would ask that customers are mindful of how much water they use there. "Scotland's climate is clearly changing and, as a country, we need to ensure we adapt both by investing appropriately in water infrastructure - which Scottish Water is doing - and ensuring we do what we can to use water more efficiently in our homes and businesses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Water is always worth saving and by taking simple steps to reduce the volume used around the home and garden, we can make our country's water go even further and help maintain normal supplies." Places affected by peak water usage include Gullane and Aberlady in East Lothian , Potterton, Middleton Park and Belhelvie in Aberdeenshire , Maybole, Turnberry and Maidens in South Ayrshire , Kippen and Balfron in west Stirlingshire , and Strathpeffer in Ross-shire. Water taken from Spey to supply Moray To help mitigate the consequences of peak water usage, Scottish Water is taking supplies from the Spey, pumping water from the river to its supply in Moray. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The water supplier is due to launch its Water is Always Worth Saving campaign next month, with the aim of showing the public they should be conscious of saving water. Claire Tunaley , senior hydrologist in the water resources unit at Sepa, said: "We're seeing the kind of conditions we normally associate with late summer in some places - and it's only May. "Groundwater and river levels across the east are already hitting record lows. In Fife and Aberdeenshire , we're seeing some of the driest conditions in living memory for this time of year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "With parts of Scotland now at 11 months of below average rainfall, it will take above-average rainfall over an extended period to recover to normal levels, especially for groundwater levels. "Our message is clear: if you abstract water from our environment - whether you work in agriculture, energy, industry, distilling, food and drink or the leisure sector - you must take action now to help protect your operations and help safeguard Scotland's rivers and wildlife in the weeks ahead." The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warning for wildfires is in place across the entire country until Monday. They have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and pose a risk to nearby communities. On Thursday, six fire engines were dispatched to a blaze at a plot of land measuring 800 metres in Cumnock, East Ayrshire which they extinguished, with no reported casualties. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fire crews spent five days this week battling a wildfire which broke out in a forest in Bathgate, West Lothian , while six teenage boys were charged after an alleged deliberate fire at Portlethen Moss, near Portlethen, Aberdeenshire , on Saturday. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said it has seen "unprecedented" numbers of bin fires this year. The fire service warned the "vast majority of wildfires" are started by human behaviour and it has urged the public to avoid lighting fires and using naked flames during the current period of dry weather. A joint additional warning has been issued by Police Scotland, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and West Dunbartonshire Council, highlighting the damage caused to "vulnerable ecosystems" including by cigarette butts and campfires, and the speed that wildfires can take hold. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anyone who witnesses a wildfire is urged to dial 999 rather than assuming someone else has already done so. 'Avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues' SFRS wildfire lead, area commander Michael Humphreys , said: "Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting. "That's why we're urging people to absolutely avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues, at this time. "It only takes one spark to start a wildfire and things can get out of hand very, very quickly. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Discarded cigarettes and unsupervised campfires pose a significant threat, so it's vital to follow all safety advice when outdoors and to make sure you are familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times. "Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. "Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. "These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of air polluting gases into the atmosphere." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Area commander Joe McKay , SFRS local senior officer for East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute , added: "Many people are out enjoying this weather and are visiting our national parks. While we don't want to spoil their fun, we are urging people to absolutely avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues, at this time." Leigh Hamilton , ranger service manager at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority , said: "A carelessly discarded barbecue or cigarette can destroy precious ecosystems, as well as lives and livelihoods.
