Freedom of Choice, Religious Dress and Community Cohesion

I welcome the comments made by First Minister John Swinney on the issue of the burqa and, in particular, his clear statement that women should be free to choose what they want to wear (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).

In Scotland, we should be proud of being a diverse and multicultural country where people are free to practise their faith, express their culture, and make their own personal choices without unnecessary interference from the state.

My Work in Parliament

I have consistently raised these vital issues in the Scottish Parliament to ensure our legislation, debates, and public policy reflect our core values of equality, personal autonomy, and human rights. Through parliamentary questions to the Scottish Government, I have formally challenged dangerous proposals to restrict religious dress and pressed Ministers on how they intend to safeguard minority communities.

Specifically, I have raised questions in Parliament pressing Ministers on:

  • Protecting Civil Liberties: What explicit measures the Scottish Government is taking to protect individual rights and ensure women retain the freedom to choose their own clothing free from state control or harassment.
  • Community Cohesion: How the Government is monitoring and mitigating the damaging impact that toxic political rhetoric and divisive debates have on minority communities across Scotland.
  • Tackling Hate Crime: What proactive steps are being taken to ensure women who choose to wear religious garments, such as the burqa or hijab, are protected from discrimination, harassment, and abuse in public spaces.

Stopping Political Hate and Division

It is deeply alarming to see some politicians actively using the floor of Parliament and public platforms to spread hate, target specific religious groups, and divide our communities.

When politicians play politics with people’s identity and faith, it is not harmless debate — it is dangerous, and it needs to be stopped.

  • Inciting Hatred and Division: Rhetoric that singles out Muslim women normalises Islamophobia and prejudice. It signals to the wider public that certain groups are acceptable targets for hostility.
  • Fueling Abuse on the Streets: Words spoken in Parliament have real-world consequences. Inflammatory political debates directly increase the risk of verbal and physical harassment faced by minority women in their everyday lives.
  • Undermining Democratic Trust: Politics should be about bringing people together to solve shared problems. When politicians use their platform to pit communities against one another, it erodes social trust and weakens the democratic principles of equality and mutual respect.

The Real Impact of Ban Proposals

Proposals to ban or restrict religious dress do not liberate anyone, they actively harm the women they purport to discuss.

  • Increasing Isolation: Rather than empowering women, dress bans risk forcing visually identifiable Muslim women out of public life, restricting their access to education, employment, and public services due to heightened fears for their safety.
  • Eroding Freedom for Everyone: Allowing the government or political parties to dictate what women can or cannot wear sets a dangerous precedent that undermines fundamental bodily autonomy and religious freedom for all citizens.

A Scotland Built on Freedom and Equality

For many women, religious and cultural clothing is an important part of their identity and faith. This is not unique to Muslim communities. Scotland is home to people from many different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, all of whom contribute enormously to the country we share.

We must reject attempts by politicians to divide us. We should be having a conversation about freedom, equality, and choice, not using the parliament to tell women what they can and cannot wear.

Women must have the right to decide what they wear for themselves. That freedom must apply equally to everyone, whether someone chooses to wear a burqa, hijab, turban, traditional cultural dress, or no religious clothing at all.

Scotland is strongest when everyone can feel that they belong. 

Diversity is a strength to be celebrated, and protecting people’s freedom to express their faith and culture is fundamental to building a fair, safe, and inclusive society.

Foysol Choudhury MBE is a former Member of the Scottish Parliament & Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development

The Skinny to fold

SEPTEMBER ISSUE WILL BE THE LAST

After 20 years of independent cultural journalism and with a very heavy heart, we have to tell you that September’s edition of The Skinny is our final issue as Radge Media CIC, the company which publishes The Skinny as well as Fest and GNAW magazines, has ceased operations.

Firstly, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has been involved with The Skinny over these two decades. The dedication, skill and care of every writer, editor, photographer, illustrator, proofreader, designer, salesperson and member of the team has made this magazine what it is. Thank you all for everything you’ve done to create an incredible legacy.

We have always drawn motivation from the energy and talent of Scotland’s creative community, even when the work has been hard and we have faced struggles, difficulties and real challenges. To Scotland’s artists, musicians, authors, theatremakers, actors, DJs, filmmakers, party-throwers and creatives, thank you all for sharing your work with us and for letting us share it with the world.

We are devastated that our work has come to such a sudden end. We have not been immune to the economic difficulties in the Scottish arts and despite our very best efforts, funding pressures across the sector, rising costs and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have contributed to an increasingly challenging situation. 

The Skinny is a key asset to Scottish cultural life, but it was produced by a small team with all the challenges that entails. We did the best we could with the resources at our disposal, and we can only apologise to our readers, colleagues and advertisers for making such a sudden exit, but we have been unable to find a way to continue the work at this time. 

This may be the end for The Skinny, but it’s not the end of what we believe in: the power of independent journalism, the value of art and creativity, and the importance of print media.

The Skinny has offered something very important and valuable to Scotland’s cultural scene and none of us wanted or expected things to end this way. The closure of this business does nothing to change our belief in the need for a vibrant Scottish media that connects with our communities, and our faith in print as a vehicle to share new stories with audiences.

Finally, thank you to all of our readers, whether you have been here from the start or are seeing our work for the very first time. If you have ever picked up a copy in a bar or read it on the bus, pored over our reviews, found a new favourite night out in the listings, shared our work online or fired up our newsletter, we really do appreciate it.

Even in dark times, there is still a wealth of vibrant, creative and exciting art being created across Scotland, and dozens of scenes and movements worth championing. That drive and spirit has inspired and invigorated us at The Skinny so many times over the years – let’s all do what we can to help that continue.

Feel free to share this statement far and wide; we only ask that you attribute the words to ‘The Skinny’ and repeat what we’re saying in good faith. For any further media enquiries, please contact Peter on peter@theskinny.co.uk 

Edinburgh mum takes on five-race charity challenge

Four ultramarathons and London Marathon planned for The Yard

AN EDINBURGH mum is preparing to cover more than 300 miles in 2027 for a beloved Scottish disability charity.

Katie Fairbairn, 36, will take on four ultramarathons and the London Marathon during the 40th anniversary year of The Yard, which supports disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland.

A mum of three young boys, Katie has gone from completing her first ultramarathons earlier this year to building an Instagram community of nearly 7,000 followers and being selected as a Rat Race ambassador for 2027.

Katie said: “I’m not an elite athlete. I’m an ordinary mum of three who decided to find out what might happen if I kept putting one foot in front of the other.

“I never imagined that would lead to completing a 70-mile and 100-mile ultramarathon, becoming a Rat Race ambassador and signing up for five huge challenges in a single year.

“Balancing training with family life, work and a new business won’t be easy, but The Yard is a charity that means a great deal to us and that will keep me going when things get tough.

“Its 40th anniversary feels like the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything it has achieved and help ensure more families can benefit from its support in the years ahead.”

Before her recent challenges, the only organised running event Katie had completed was a 10K race back in 2008.

This year she completed Rat Race’s 70-mile The Wall ultramarathon and the 100-mile Castle to Castle challenge from Edinburgh to Glamis, raising close to £4,500 for charities including Held In Our Hearts and The Yard.

Through her Instagram account, @frommummytoultra, Katie shares the realities of balancing endurance training with work, family life and everyday commitments.

Dan Gerrard, Head of Fundraising at The Yard, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary, everyone at The Yard is absolutely thrilled to have Katie’s support.

“To complete four ultramarathons and the London Marathon in a single year will be an incredible achievement and we could not be more proud of her. The Yard provides vital opportunities, support and inclusive play for disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland, and we simply couldn’t do that without champions like Katie.

“She is an inspiration and we’ll be right behind her every step of the way. We hope as many people as possible will support her challenge and help us continue delivering life-changing services for families across Scotland.”

Founded in Edinburgh in 1987, The Yard provides inclusive play, family support and community services for disabled children and young people from birth to age 25. The charity operates centres in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy, alongside outreach services supporting families in communities across Scotland.

Each year, thousands of children, young people and family members benefit from The Yard’s services, which provide opportunities to play, build confidence, form friendships and access support in a safe and welcoming environment.

Donations can be made via this Just Giving link.

Rat Race is one of the UK’s best-known adventure and endurance event organisers, staging challenges across the country ranging from ultramarathons to multi-day expeditions.

As a Rat Race ambassador, Katie will help promote events, share her experiences with fellow participants and encourage others to take on challenges they may never have thought possible.

CATCH ME IF YOU GRAN!

IRN-BRU UNLEASH GIRDER-POWERED GETAWAY GRANNIES IN EDINBURGH FOR 125TH ANNIVERSARY

  • Granny Tourismo will see the public hunt down pensioners on mobility scooters in three secret locations across Edinburgh next week (Wednesday 16 September). 
  • Fans will have to be quick to find the getaway gran, with cryptic clues shared on social media revealing where to find her. 
  • National Treasure and ‘the nation’s granny’ Amanda Barrie has helped launch the huge giveaway, which takes place across the UK. 

EDINBURGH punters are being challenged to chase down a getaway granny on a mobility scooter, with twelve wads of £125 up for grabs.

A top-secret, balaclava-clad pensioner will hit the streets of the capital on Wednesday, September 16, as part of IRN-BRU’s  “Granny Tourismo” challenge.

The mystery gran will be hiding at three secret locations somewhere in Edinburgh aboard a souped-up mobility scooter complete with blue flame racing stripes.

And the first four people to track her down in each location before she makes her escape will each pocket £125.

Cryptic clues revealing her whereabouts will be dropped on IRN-BRU’s social media channels on the day, meaning Edinburgh fans will have to move fast if they want to get their hands on the cash.

The stunt is part of the fizzy drink giant’s 125th anniversary celebrations and is inspired by its infamous granny adverts.

Coronation Street and Carry On legend Amanda Barrie is leading the charge after admitting she knows a thing or two about “causing chaos”.

The 91-year-old national treasure is fronting the UK-wide “Catch Me If You Gran” campaign, which will see a crew of nimble nans descend on Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London.

But Edinburgh gets its chance to catch a cash-carrying gran on Wednesday, just 24 hours after the challenge kicks off in Glasgow.

Amanda played Alma Baldwin – previously Halliwell and Sedgewick – for more than 20 years in Coronation Street and starred as Cleo in the classic Carry On Cleo. She said: “After all those years in the UK’s top soap and my Carry On capers, I know a thing or two about causing chaos.

“Then there was my time reeking havoc in Larkhill Prison, not to mention taking a swipe at Gordon Ramsay on national TV. But even I struggle to keep up with these BRU grannies.

“They’ve traded shopping trolleys for mobility scooters and they’re determined not to be caught. If you do manage to stop one, you’ve definitely earned your £125.”

The stunt brings IRN-BRU’s iconic shoplifting granny to life more than two decades after she first caused havoc on TV screens.

The brand’s classic 2001 “Electric Lady” advert featured a sweet-looking elderly woman cruising through town on a mobility scooter before pulling down her tea-cosy hat like a balaclava and raiding a shop for cans of IRN-BRU.

Now the getaway gran is being unleashed for real, and Edinburgh residents have the chance to catch her.

The Scottish capital is the second stop on the four-city tour, following Glasgow on Tuesday, September 15.

Liverpool gets its turn on Thursday, September 17, before the grannies make their final getaway in London on Friday, September 18.

Kenny Nicholson, Director of Brand at IRN-BRU, said: “To celebrate our anniversary, we’ve brought to life one of our greatest characters.

“The IRN-BRU grannies are out in force next week, revving their scooters and ready to hit the road.

“Fans will need to be quick as they won’t be in each of the four cities for long before they make a speedy getaway to the next one.

“This is one of the many ways we’re giving back to the nation as we mark 125 years of Made in Scotland from Girders.”

4 weeks to go – LeithChooses applications close 12th October

Applications for LeithChooses 2026/27 still open – but just 4 weeks left to apply!

Constituted community groups are invited to apply for project funding of up to £5,000. As usual, projects should be new or adding new value (not continued funding of an existing service) that will be of benefit to the community in Leith.

Projects should be designed to start after 31st March 2027 and run until March 2028 at the latest. The theme for this year is ‘Greater Leith Harmony’ and the deadline for applications is 12th October 2026.

We welcome your applications using our online form at:

edinburgh.gov.uk/applyleithchooses.

If you would like access to the application form in a different format, please contact leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Be sure to also download and read the LeithChooses guidance notes, to check if your project is eligible, and to guide you in putting together your application. You can also read additional guidance from Edinburgh Council and a sample application form.

Application deadline: 23:45 on 12th October 2026
Theme: Greater Leith Harmony
Online application form: edinburgh.gov.uk/applyleithchooses

Supporting documents:

If you have any questions or would like any support with your application, please get in touch as soon as possible to allow time for discussions, by email at: leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk.

There’s still time to register for our final online applicant information session on 30 September 2026, 5.30pm to 6.30pm – Register to attend

We look forward to hearing your ideas for new projects.

The LeithChooses Steering Group

2300 children take part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event

Children stand in a park with their arms raised in a yoga pose

Over 2300 children took part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event in Edinburgh this week.

Primary six pupils from 49 schools across the city enjoyed over 40 activities delivered by 30 partner organisations, each giving their time for free.

The Outdoor Learning Challenge took place over September 8-9 at Holyrood Park, and saw pupils try their hand at activities including mountain biking, archery, drumming, survival skills and campfires. 

The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. 

Organisations including Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace led workshops with the activities altered to suit children of all abilities, including those with physical or learning disablities. 

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “The Outdoor Challenge is a fantastic event, I had a great time today learning new skills and meeting lots of children, teachers, staff and partners. 

“We were lucky to have a sun-filled two days at Holyrood Park and thousands of young people enjoyed dozens of activites, many pushing themselves out their comfort zones.

“Bringing learning outdoors is vital to improve mental and physical health as well as help our young people learn how nature and the outdoor connects to their lives.

“I was particularly impressed with how the activities were altered to allow children of all abilities to take part and the teamwork on show from our young people was stellar. 

“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”

Family take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk in young mum’s memory to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK

The family of a young Scottish mum who lost her life to bowel cancer earlier this year is taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this weekend to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.

Various members of Abigail Millar’s close family will be taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this Sunday 13th September after she sadly died from bowel cancer on 12th May this year aged just 41, leaving behind her husband Ross Millar and their two young children Gregor and Katie.

All funds raised by the team, named Abigail’s Star Team, will go towards supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.       

At the time of writing, the team has raised over £3,000 for the charity, with donations still streaming in.

“Abigail was a much-loved member of our family whose kindness, warmth, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” Abigail’s cousin, Fiona Durkin said on the family’s JustGiving page.

“Her loss has left a huge gap in our lives, and she is remembered every day with love and affection.

“By taking on this sponsored walk, we hope to honour Abigail’s memory, raise awareness of bowel cancer, and support the vital work being done to improve research, treatment, and early diagnosis.”

Abigail, who was originally from Corstorphine in Edinburgh before settling in Botley, Hampshire with her husband and children, first visited her GP with abdominal pain in October 2024, thinking there was a problem with her ovaries.

She gave a stool sample, was referred for a colonoscopy and was subsequently diagnosed with bowel cancer on 6th December 2024.

She underwent surgery in January 2025 where part of her colon was removed and was relieved not to need a stoma. She and her family thought she was through the worst, particularly with doctors thinking that they had managed to catch her cancer early enough. 

“Following surgery Abigail’s cancer staging results came through and that is when the bombshell hit us,” Abigail’s husband Ross said. “She was told that she had stage 3 cancer and needed to have some preventative chemotherapy.”

Three months into chemotherapy, doctors told Abigail that her cancer had spread due to a genetic mutation, it was aggressive and couldn’t be cured but could be managed.

In March 2026, Abigail and her family were told that her cancer was terminal. She enjoyed the time she had left with her family before passing away at home with them by her side on 12th May 2026.

Abigail’s family are now determined to continue her legacy of fundraising for bowel cancer. Abigail’s husband Ross is now in training to complete a series of fundraising events to support Bowel Cancer UK. 

Abigail and Ross’s son has always wanted to be a doctor, and this sad experience has solidified his focus on this goal, with the ultimate aim of helping other people in similar situations.

“Abigail and I spent 20 years of our lives together – she had such a zest for life,” Ross said. “She was bright, funny, fiercely loyal, and devoted to her family. She was a beautiful soul and created so many great moments in life for all those fortunate enough to be around her.

“It was one of Abigail’s wishes to raise awareness of bowel cancer, particularly because cases are rising in younger people like her.

“Sadly, she can’t do that now, but I can, our children can, and our family can. If her story helps someone get an early diagnosis or saves a life, her message will have done what it needs to do.”

Jenny Poulter, Events Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Abigail’s family for sharing her story with us and selecting Bowel Cancer UK as their chosen charity as they take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in her memory.

“Every 11 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK’s fourth most common cancer. The money raised by Abigail’s Star Team will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

“We hope that Ross and the rest of Abigail’s family know the difference that their support will make, and we wish them all the best for their walk. We’re sure that Abigail would be immensely proud of their efforts.”

You can support Abigail’s Star Team and donate to Bowel Cancer UK by visiting Fiona’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/abigailsstarteam

Feeling inspired? Take on your own fundraising challenge for Bowel Cancer UK: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/

Opens Today: GATHER exhibition at St Margaret’s House

CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUBS NETWORK

GATHER is a brand new exhibition showcasing work by artists and community members from across Edinburgh, coming together for the very first time.

As well as artwork from the other hubs, the exhibition features 21 Art for Grown Ups members showing their work, plus our community banner (still a work in progress but almost complete!) on display alongside artwork created by NEA and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre members.

This is a truly special exhibition, and we’d love for you to join us!

GATHER EXHIBITION

Opening: Friday 11 September 2026, from 4:30pm

Main Exhibition: 12 – 26 September 2026

St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE

Free. No need to book.

The Creative Community Hubs Network consists of eight partner organisations based across Edinburgh: WHALE Arts, The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Granton:hub, North Edinburgh Arts, Duncan Place Leith, The Crannie, Lyra and Craigmillar Now.

Read more here: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/gather-exhibition/

Edinburgh school selected for a Scottish Book Trust professional author residence

St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Edinburgh has been selected to receive a twelve-week author residency with Ross Collins Mackay, thanks to generous funding from the Walter Scott Giving Group.   

The Live Literature School Residencies Programme, now in its eleventh year, is organised by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing.  

The residencies, delivered at no cost to the school, are designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing amongst pupils. They also give professional writers like Ross Mackay the opportunity to build relationships with the school and work together on a creative project.  

St Joseph’s Headteacher Mhairi Brannan says:‘We are delighted to welcome an author in residence to our school. This is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to be inspired by a professional writer and to build their confidence in expressing their own ideas through writing.

“We are really looking forward to seeing their creativity flourish and watching them discover just how powerful their own voices can be.’ 

Ross Mackay says: ‘Before I was a writer, I was a learning assistant at St Joseph’s. Back then the school was bursting with creativity and I’m sure it’s the same now – so as much as I am hoping to inspire the pupils, I am certain they will be inspiring me too.’ 

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, says: ‘Congratulations to St Joseph’s RC Primary School for this wonderful opportunity that is sure to enrich pupils. 

“The Live Literature School Residencies Programme is an important flagship programme for Scottish Book Trust. Over the course of the 12 fully funded sessions, pupils and teachers receive expert guidance from their chosen authors, allowing creativity to thrive.

“These creative projects also offer the chance to tap into the local community, while promoting reading and writing cultures. We are incredibly grateful to our funders the Walter Scott Giving Group for making these residencies possible.”

Schools across the country were invited to apply to the programme which brings professional authors into the classroom to inspire and engage pupils. Each school taking part in the programme will receive 12 sessions delivered by an author from Scottish Book Trust’s author directory. They also receive a £500 grant for resources. 

The residencies will run across the 2026-27 school year and finish by May 2027.  

Each school’s project will be showcased on Scottish Book Trust’s website, alongside suggested learning resources and helpful tips to make the most of the residency sessions. 

The eight schools who have been selected to receive twelve-week author residencies, thanks to generous funding from the Walter Scott Giving Group are:

e-Sgoil (Na h-Eileanan Siar) – author Louisa MacDougall

Stirches Primary School (Hawick, Scottish Borders) – author Alan Windram

Kirkintilloch High School (Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire) – author Nadine Aisha Jassat

St Joseph’s RC Primary School (Edinburgh) – author Ross Collins Mackay

Sunnybank Primary School (Aberdeen) – author Shalla Gray

Toryglen Primary and Language & Communication Resource (Glasgow) – author Yasmin Hanif

Newtonmore Primary School (Highland) – author Shelagh Campbell

Childcare in the Community (South Lanarkshire) – author Eric Brennan

Recent rain has not erased dry summer’s impact on Scotland’s east coast rivers

Recent rainfall has not been enough to reverse the impact of months of dry conditions on parts of Scotland’s east coast, with four areas now at Significant Water Scarcity. 

North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) have returned to Significant Scarcity for the second time this year, while Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire and North Esk in Angus have reached the level for the first time. 

The latest weekly Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows conditions are continuing to vary considerably across Scotland. 

In the Scottish Borders, Upper Tweed and Mid Tweed and Lauderdale have recovered from Significant Scarcity following recent rainfall. There has also been some recovery in the Earn, Almond and Dee in Galloway. 

But very low river flows continue across parts of eastern Scotland, where a rainfall deficit built up over the spring and summer has proved harder to reverse. Parts of Fife have received below-average rainfall since March and significant further rainfall will be needed for widespread recovery. 

Rainfall can raise river levels relatively quickly, but this does not necessarily reverse the effects of months of dry weather. Where river flows, soils and groundwater have been depleted over a longer period, sustained rainfall is needed for conditions to recover. 

North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) first reached Significant Scarcity on 28 July. Temporary abstraction restrictions introduced at the time affected 99 licences, primarily supporting agricultural activities. 

Rainfall allowed both areas to move out of Significant Scarcity in early August, although the wider area remained affected by water scarcity. Very low river flows subsequently returned and have now persisted long enough for North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) to reach Significant Scarcity again. 

The position for agricultural abstractors is different from late July, as the main period of irrigation demand has now passed for many growers. However, different crops require water at different stages of the growing season and some businesses continue to rely on abstraction. 

SEPA are continuing to take action to protect the water environment. This week, temporarily abstraction restrictions apply to 136 licences in North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Stonehaven and North Esk, primarily covering agricultural abstraction. While not all licence holders will currently be abstracting, restrictions will remain in place until conditions recover from Significant Scarcity.  

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “It might feel as though Scotland has had plenty of rain in recent weeks. We have seen heavy rainfall and flooding in some places, while other areas have not recovered from water scarcity. But a wet few days do not undo the effects of a dry few months. 

“In parts of the east, a rainfall deficit has built up over the spring and summer. Fife demonstrates that particularly clearly. North Fife and East Neuk improved enough to move out of Significant Scarcity in August, but they have now reached that level for a second time. 

“It is important to remember why we monitor river levels and ecological conditions so closely, and why we may reduce or temporarily stop abstractions when conditions become severe. When rivers remain exceptionally low for a prolonged period, there is a greater risk of serious and long-lasting damage to the water environment and the plants and animals that depend on it. 

“Our role is to protect the health of our rivers while recognising that farms and other businesses also depend on water from the environment. The east of Scotland is an important growing region and the position is different from late July, with the main period of irrigation demand now past for many growers while others still have crops which require water. 

“We have been speaking directly to businesses whose abstractions will be affected so they understand what this means for them, and we will continue to keep that dialogue open.  

“This summer also shows why building Scotland’s resilience to water scarcity matters. We need to be prepared for both too much and too little water, and for conditions to be very different from one part of the country to another.

“As our climate changes, Scotland is expected to experience hotter, drier summers alongside more intense rainfall. Protecting the water environment, using water efficiently and planning ahead for periods when less water is available will become increasingly important.” 

SEPA continue to monitor river flows, rainfall, soil moisture and groundwater levels across Scotland and will update water scarcity levels as conditions change.