Water scarcity warning for east of Scotland

Seventeen river catchments in Scotland are now at Alert level for water scarcity, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). These are: Conon, Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeenshire), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan, Thurso, Shin and Naver.

SEPA highlighted that the water scarcity level across the east of Scotland was particularly serious, with pressure on rivers building fast.

Shetland has now joined most of the rest of the country at Early Warning, with only the Inner Hebrides now at normal conditions.

Senior environment manager Eilidh Johnston at SEPA said: "We’re seeing the early signs of water scarcity again this spring. We know from experience that these conditions can escalate quickly. Scotland’s climate is changing – rainfall is less predictable, and water isn’t always available where and when it’s needed.”

Very dry spring conditions are affecting many parts of the UK. March was the driest in England and Wales since 1961, and April has been unusually dry and sunny.