Latest news with #ScottishWater
Glasgow Times
21 hours ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mystery behind neon green burn at beauty spot solved
Locals were left puzzled after the water at Milndavie Glen in Strathblane took on an unnatural fluorescent green hue on Tuesday, July 22. The glen, a well-known beauty spot popular with dog walkers and nature lovers, quickly became the focus of local speculation. READ MORE: Environment Secretary urged to apologise for 'misleading' Scottish water claims One social media user asked: "Am I seeing things or is the burn in Milndavie Glen bright green?" Others jumped in with their own theories, ranging from light reflection and algae bloom to more concerning suggestions such as chemical contamination. One person commented: "Could be an algae bloom, or just light reflection." Another added: "That looks like contamination." A third speculated: "Could be tracer dye used to trace leaks." To uncover the truth, The Glasgow Times contacted both the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water for clarification. SEPA confirmed that they had received reports from local residents and, following these reports, conducted an investigation. They concluded that the green colour was indeed caused by dye testing. The substance used is commonly employed in water tracing and poses no lasting harm to the environment. READ MORE: Scottish Water issues safety warning as warm weather expected this weekend (Image: Sourced) A SEPA spokesperson said: 'SEPA has received reports of a green substance in the water at Milndavie Glen, Strathblane, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. "Initial investigations suggest dye testing has been carried out, which can leave colouring in the water for a short period, but has no adverse effect on the environment. 'We would like to thank the public for reporting this and encourage anyone who is concerned about a potential pollution incident to contact SEPA as soon as possible on 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting an online report at with as much information as possible.' READ MORE: Scottish Water warning after fire hydrants set off in Glasgow Scottish Water also confirmed the discolouration was the result of dye testing and not due to pollution. A spokesperson added that they had investigated after receiving public reports and confirmed there was no threat to [[pub]]lic or environmental health. The reassurance comes as a relief to locals and highlights the importance of prompt public reporting in protecting local natural spaces.
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Take the low road from Lanarkshire and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond
Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event Residents from across Lanarkshire are being encouraged to pack their swimwear and take the high road to Loch Lomond to enjoy a host of free water activities and demonstrations this Friday. Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25. The annual water safety event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables. The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities, including how to swim safely outdoors. The fourth annual event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, with Water Safety Scotland warning that continued vigilance is essential. Attendees will have the opportunity to: Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: 'Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.' Scotland's Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown MSP, said: 'With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland's Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency. 'Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency. 'My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'We're delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.' 'With Scotland's abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.' The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Loch Lomond water safety event to be held to mark World Drowning Prevention Day
Loch Lomond Shores will this week host a free water safety event to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. A free water safety event is to be staged at Loch Lomond to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. It's hoped that the water safety event will raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention. It takes place at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, on Friday, July 25. The event will be run by Water Safety Scotland and supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables. The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and offers a broad range of interactive and educational activities. Now in its fourth year, the event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024. Water Safety Scotland is warning that continued vigilance is essential. Those attending will have the opportunity to learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code, watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs, try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures and visit a range of interactive safety and information stands. It comes weeks after a man died after getting in to difficulty in Loch Lomond earlier this month. The 50-year-old got into difficulty near Ardvorlich. Members of the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat (LLRB) were called by the Scottish Ambulance Service to aid in what was described as a 'serious incident' occurring on a beach situated between Inveruglas and Ardlui. The man was subsequently transported to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, where he sadly died the following day. Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: 'Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.' The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: 'Alongside our partner agencies, we welcome the reduction in water-related deaths in 2024, but we cannot overstate the importance of continued vigilance, especially as the weather improves over the summer months. "Even on the warmest days, rivers and lochs in the National Park remain cold enough to trigger Cold Water Shock, and hidden hazards and unexpected depths can catch out even strong swimmers. 'That's why planning ahead is so important and why we're so pleased to welcome World Drowning Prevention Day event back to the National Park this summer, reflecting our year-round partnership with Water Safety Scotland to deliver a consistent, collaborative approach to policy and public engagement. "We look forward to speaking with members of the public on the day about the importance of following the Loch Lomond Byelaws and Water Safety Code - offering advice and support on how these measures are there to help prevent accidents before they happen. 'We want everyone to respect the water and enjoy the National Park this summer, but do it safely: respect the byelaws, follow the simple, life‑saving advice (Float to live), and look out for one another.' Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown added: 'With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland's Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency. 'Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency. 'My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'We're delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.' 'With Scotland's abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.'
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Labour are creating uncertainty and acting against democratic freedom
Firstly, those charged with offences under that law are immediately subject to a judicial system compromised and discredited by those individualistic interpretations from arresting officers – onwards and upwards. Secondly, as the number of people charged with offences under interpretations of that law increases, the unclear 'catch-all' nature of the law becomes more firmly established; random arrests and charges are more firmly associated with individual enforcement officers; and outcomes are subject to further interpretations by the various courts. READ MORE: Daily Express front page piles pressure on Labour to act on Gaza Thirdly, in consequence, general fear of such a law, the uncertainty of how it will be enforced in any particular situation, destroys trust between civilians and law-enforcement officers. Fourthly, also in consequence, law-enforcement officers are burdened with the grotesque responsibility of unravelling such a bad law, often to the level of semantics, in each situation. Fifthly, since stable democracy and social cohesion are both absolutely dependent on governance by consent of the electorate, and since the dangers from unclear legislation are well-known and understood throughout the world, to proceed – as the current Westminster government has just done – to impose a dangerously vague and wide-ranging law against protesters campaigning against genocide and war criminals is a very frightening act against UK democracy. Therefore, I believe this current Labour administration should face an urgent, exceptional, vote of no-confidence within Westminster. This is because it is creating widespread fear and uncertainty; it is acting against democratic freedom within the United Kingdom, against the basic assumptions of rights within the UK constitution and endangering social and political stability – especially government by consent. Each Member of Parliament and each political party will be judged, sooner than later, on how they dealt with their awful responsibilities at this time. A General Election is urgently needed. Frances McKie Evanton, Ross-shire AS if it wasn't bad enough that the Labour Party is effectively running down Scotland economically by focusing tens of billions of pounds of UK Government investment in carbon capture and storage projects, steel-making and oil-refining in England, and by maintaining a disadvantageous energy pricing mechanism (in spite of zonal pricing proposals from Octopus Energy and Scotland's considerable contribution to the UK's renewable energy supply), Labour are now talking down Scottish Water. On Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Labour's [[UK Government]] Environment Secretary, London MP Steve Reed, stated of [[Scottish Water]] that 'their nationalised pollution in rivers in Scotland is worse than in England'. Unsurprisingly this grossly misleading statement went unchallenged by the BBC host. READ MORE: Gillian Martin: Steve Reed is leading a campaign of disinformation on Scottish water The facts are that the Scottish [[Environment]] Protection Agency reports that 87% of Scotland's rivers are in good health (as stated by Stephen Flynn on the Kuenssberg show) while only 15% of England's rivers are rated at that level, with The Rivers Trust reporting that not a single waterway in England is in overall good health. It is of course understood that with England being more densely populated there is a greater level of monitoring in England, but most sensible people would rather be taking a shower, never mind drinking the water, in Glasgow or Edinburgh, rather than in London. Stan Grodynski Longniddry, East Lothian REGARDING your piece on high-value assets being sold to keep local government afloat, this is not new (Council sell hundreds of public assets as they feel pinch from constrained budgets, Jul 13). All that started big time in the 80s and before, lest we forget – and it seems we have. We need major reform of local government with a local income tax to suit regional/local economies, with policies and service delivery to suit, instead of centralised policy and service delivery, where the centre should be oversight and enforcement. READ MORE: Scottish community-owned island announces boycott of Israel So what are the SNP waiting for? Better weather? Get in with it, before the local elections in 2027. Halve the number of councillors, and pay them a full-time wage of £45k with no outside business interests (if so, to be put in trust until and unless unelected.) Community councils, again with half the members, can be given funding or the ability to raise funding, paid a stipend of £5k per annum or a percentage of local income tax depending on population. Yes, in many ways back to pre-1974/75, but it worked, and worked much better. Local responsibility, local accountability – this is the road to a much improved democracy and interest in it. James J Paton SAAT – Shetland Autonomy Action Team
Daily Record
a day ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Take the high road from West Lothian and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond
Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event Residents from across West Lothian are being encouraged to pack their swimwear and take the high road to Loch Lomond to enjoy a host of free water activities and demonstrations this Friday. Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25. The annual water safety event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables. The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities, including swimming safely outdoors. The fourth annual event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, with Water Safety Scotland warning that continued vigilance is essential. Attendees will have the opportunity to: Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: 'Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.' Scotland's Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown MSP, said: 'With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland's Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency. 'Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency. 'My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'We're delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.' 'With Scotland's abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.' The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend.
