Scots forge ahead on peat plan

Scottish Water is nearing completion of a project to restore 300 hectares of peatland surrounding Afton Reservoir in East Ayrshire as part of its bid to protect water quality and cut carbon emissions. 

The project is the first phase of a move to restore more than 500 hectares of peatland. The second phase will be underway in November and the whole restoration is scheduled for completion before the end of 2025. 

Under the scheme, Scottish Water is closing up the drains that cover much of the area using a technique that enables water to be held within the land and encourages the development of healthy peatlands. It prevents the peat from drying out and thereby eroding which releases carbon. 

Scottish Water project manager, Alan MacDonald, explained how the drains had been built to dry the land ahead of forestry work or grazing for sheep. He said the current work will “reduce the organic matter that is feeding into the reservoir, ensuring the quality of our source water remains high and making the job of treating it less time consuming and costly.” 

“These projects will make a key contribution to our own net zero journey locking up carbon, supporting biodiversity and helping the Scottish government’s targets for peatland restoration in Scotland. They are also vital in making our water sources more resilient to future climate change.” 

Afton Reservoir is 9km south of New Cumnock and supplies much of Ayrshire.