Tag: Scottish Water

Six month Gorgie Road closure to ‘enhance West Edinburgh’s water environment’

A major £3 million Scottish Water project on a key arterial route linking west Edinburgh with the city centre is about to get underway.

Gorgie Road will be closed between Robb’s Loan and Hutchison Crossway for approximately SIX MONTHS from Sunday (25 January 2026).

The existing unscreened overflow is to be replaced by a new overflow chamber with a powered screen to filter out sewer related debris during heavy rain.

Part of Scottish Water’s £500million Improving Urban Waters programme, the project will protect the nearby Water of Leith in Saughton Park.

Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “We are acutely aware Gorgie Road is one of the key transport routes linking west Edinburgh with the city centre.

“As well as being home to Tynecastle stadium and close to Murrayfield, it is also home to thousands of residents, and crucial for local businesses, schools, universities and emergency services.

“But the road also sits above critical Victorian-era waste water infrastructure that helps protect homes and businesses during heavy rain.

“This project will significantly reduce sewer related debris entering the Water of Leith, supporting cleaner rivers and a healthier local environment for people and wildlife including otters.”

The project is part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewer related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

Ethan Gillies Denning added: “We have launched a comprehensive campaign of radio and social media adverts to make sure as many as people as possible are aware of the work starting.

“There will inevitably be disruption, but we have worked closely with a range of agencies including Edinburgh City Council and the emergency services to anticipate and mitigate any major issues.

“We would ask people to follow all diversion signs and to allow extra time for journeys particularly at peak times and please be patient.”

The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance and is expected to be completed by July 2026.

Key city project nears completion

SCOTTISH WATER – ‘DRAINING THE RAIN’ ON CORSTORPHINE ROAD

A £3million project to help prevent wet wipes and other sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith at Murrayfield in Edinburgh is nearly complete.

Since June, Corstorphine Road has been reduced to one lane while Scottish Water upgrades a key storm overflow, constructing a new spill chamber and screens.

Earlier this month a giant 20 tonne concrete ‘lid’ was lowered into place, marking a major milestone for the project.

Scottish Water Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “Work has progressed well, despite challenging ground conditions and we are aiming to finish by early December.

“We are extremely grateful to road users and residents who have been patient throughout and have coped well with the disruption on their doorstep.

“We have worked closely with Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh City Council to make sure hundreds of thousands of fans have been able to get safely to major events such as the Oasis concerts.

“Similar arrangements are being made so that supporters should have no problems at the autumn rugby internationals that kick off this weekend.

“These projects can be difficult to deliver but once completed, the benefits will ensure the environment is protected for many years to come.”

The project is part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified 108 high-priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment helps prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA).

Customer Manager Jennifer Renton said: “Work has progressed well despite some challenges along the way, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s understanding and patience throughout the process.

“We are proud and grateful to be part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an important investment in enhancing our environment for future generations.”

Pools in Edinburgh dive into life-saving lessons for Drowning Prevention Week

Over 8,300 youngsters to learn vital water safety skills this June

IT’S NOT just about front crawl and backstrokes, Learn to Swim lessons in Edinburgh Leisure are teaching children how to be safer in and around water during this month to mark Drowning Prevention Week as part of a Scotland-wide campaign.

From Shetland to the Borders, swimming pools are adapting and transforming their regular swimming lessons into workshops which will focus specifically on water safety knowledge and skills.

Swimmers are set to learn the crucial Water Safety Code as well as basic floating techniques which can make a massive difference when someone feels in danger in the water and that could help save their lives or someone else’s.

The special lessons come as latest figures reveal the ongoing risks around Scotland’s waters, the National Water Safety Forum reported that tragically in 2024 there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland.

Drowning prevention is one of the main objectives for the Learn to Swim National Framework and in June each year the programme does a major water safety push to coincide with Drowning Prevention Week, where youngsters take part in a bespoke water safety swim lesson delivered by the leisure trusts and aquatic providers.

John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Every June, our Learn to Swim classes shift focus to concentrate on water safety.

“It’s not just about being a strong swimmer- understanding how to recognise hazards, help others in distress and make smart decisions around water is equally important.”

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 as we approach summer when people are often more likely to be around water.

“These water safety lessons provide an opportunity to equip people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water, and help their parents and family network feel confident and comfortable in their swimming abilities.”

The Learn to Swim National Framework is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools from Shetland to the Borders with the vision of creating “Generation Swim”, a generation of children who are confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.

The programme currently reaches around 82,000 children across Scotland who will have access to a new interactive water safety quiz that has been developed to improve water safety knowledge this year.

The Learn to Swim National Framework is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level.

Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), stands as one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland.

For more information on Learn to Swim can be found on its website: https://learntoswim.scot/

A ‘catalogue of failures’ led to issues at Scotland’s water watchdog

A ‘catalogue of failures’ led to the inappropriate and unacceptable use of public money at the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), according to a new report issued today.

The report, published by the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit Committee, follows the Committee’s consideration of the Auditor General for Scotland’s (AGS) 2022/23 and 2023/24 audits of WICS.

The Committee highlighted ‘inappropriate and unacceptable’ spending on training courses for senior staff, benefits to the workforce and, hospitality.

The report found that the Board of WICS failed in its responsibilities which led to a lack of financial control. This meant that decisions taken did not always provide value for money to the public purse. With WICS also showing a failure to follow even its own rules.

In considering the issues raised by the AGS’ reports, the Committee heard evidence from both WICS and the Scottish Government in their role as sponsoring the work of WICS

The Committee’s new report highlights that there were also significant weaknesses and failings in the Scottish Government’s approach, with a complete failure by the Government to challenge the culture at WICS, which led to an unacceptable use of public funds. This raised serious concerns for the Committee.

The Committee has now called on the Scottish Government to review its systems for identifying concerns with public bodies to ensure any issues are caught at an early stage.

Speaking as the report launched, Committee Convener Richard Leonard MSP said: “Some of the evidence we have heard about the arrangements in place at WICS was simply extraordinary.

“That the body, charged with promoting long term value from Scottish Water to its customers, itself failed to live up to the standards required of a public body left the Committee with deep concerns.

“But the Committee is clear that there also appears to have been a serious lack of oversight from the Scottish Government. This failure from those who are meant to be safeguarding the public purse is simply unacceptable.”

In its report, the Committee notes that there have been widespread Board and management departures from WICS, and indeed from the Scottish Government, since the audit reports were published.

Whilst the Committee recognises the changes which have been made at WICS, it has called on the current Board to undergo refresher training on their roles and responsibilities to ensure that the failure of responsibilities does not happen again.

The Convener continued: “We have heard about significant changes within WICS and the organisation’s commitment to improve the governance arrangements. These are clearly welcome. But we want to see concrete evidence of these changes to ensure that the unacceptable culture that was in place has truly gone.”

All of Scotland now at some level of water scarcity

Most of mainland Scotland’s east coast has now moved to Moderate Scarcity, according to the latest Water Situation Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

River catchments across the Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed and Esk (Dumfriesshire) are now at Moderate.

There has been no recovery elsewhere and most of the rest of Scotland is now at Alert, with only the Inner and Outer Hebrides remaining at Early Warning.

​This follows on from a drier than normal autumn and winter with some areas of the east now having 11 months of below average rainfall. With no significant rainfall currently forecast, it is likely that river and ground conditions will remain very dry over the next week.

All businesses with licences to take water from the environment have a responsibility to use water economically.

Record-breaking dryness

Groundwater levels in Fife and Angus were at their lowest April averages on record, with Newton of Falkland recording the lowest level for April in 28 years. Soil moisture deficits are continuing to increase, and soils are becoming drier than would be expected for the time of year.

In the River Dee in Aberdeenshire records going back 97 years show flows are at their second lowest this early in the year, only 1938 was drier. Typically, the lowest river flows in the Dee occur in July, August or September.

Some parts of Fife have now gone nearly four weeks without measurable rainfall. Across the east river flows are well below normal for this time of year and without significant rain conditions are unlikely to recover soon.

Water scarcity levels

  • Early Warning: Conditions are drying. No action required, but abstractors should start preparing.
  • Alert: Water levels are falling. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use for abstractors.
  • Moderate Scarcity: Environmental impact is clear. Action from abstractors is expected to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.
  • Significant Scarcity: Critical river levels. Restrictions on abstraction licences may be imposed.

Advice to abstractors

SEPA have been contacting abstractors directly to understand more about their water use and provide targeted advice. These conversations are showing that many have already put measures in place to use water more efficiently. As well as direct contact with individuals, all those with a licence in an area at Alert or Moderate Scarcity are receiving messages to remind them of their responsibilities.

Active consultation is ongoing with organisations across Scotland, including NFU Scotland, Fisheries Management Scotland, Golf Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Water to help share important information and ensure that advice and support is available.

If your business abstracts water from the environment, here’s what you need to do:

At Alert:

  • Check and maintain abstraction equipment
  • Review your water use plans
  • Reduce non-essential water use
  • Consider low-water irrigation techniques or alternative scheduling

At Moderate Scarcity:

  • Actively reduce water use, particularly during peak daylight hours
  • Coordinate with neighbours to optimise shared use
  • Consider alternative sources or reduced production if possible

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, 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. 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.”

Everyone can use water more efficiently

Scottish Water is calling on people to use water as efficiently as possible in homes and gardens and help the utility protect resources and maintain normal supplies across the country.

The public water supply is resilient, and Scottish Water is continuously monitoring the levels of storage throughout the country to maintain supplies, but there has been an increase in water use by customers in the past weeks. The amount of water the company put into the network across Scotland has had to be increased from mid-April by 150 million litres per day.

Scottish Water is urging people to help save water by:

  • using water efficiently in the garden and outdoor spaces by using a watering can instead of a garden hose where possible and avoiding using sprinklers
  • taking shorter showers
  • turning the tap off when brushing teeth
  • using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded
  • using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash the car.

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

National initiative encouraging adults to learn and lead by example

EVERY SUMMER, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry.

For a surprising number, that isn’t a lifestyle choice – it’s the result of never learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions.

The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework –  Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar.

Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family.

Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion.

The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level. 

John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: “We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back.

“Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they’re held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it’s too late to start.

“We’re challenging that idea head-on. It’s never too late to learn to swim – and there’s never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely.  

“Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations – ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.” 

That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland take part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow.

Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children’s safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach.

The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age.

For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they’re about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations.

While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles.

Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change.

With hundreds already benefiting and momentum building, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water are hoping their message makes a splash: it’s not just about learning to swim – it’s about reconnecting with the water, with confidence, and with family.

Corstorphine Road: Draining the Rain

ROAD REDUCED TO SINGLE LANE FOR SEVEN MONTHS

Drop-in public information event at the Murrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May between 4pm and 7pm

SCOTTISH Water will be starting a major project as part of our #drainingtherain Improving Urban Waters programme on Corstorphine Road #Edinburgh next month.

Come along to an information event on 8 May to find out more.

Details below:

Project Overview

We are installing new screens and spill chambers to a storm overflow under Corstorphine Road to help prevent sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith.

Work is due to get underway at the beginning of June 2025 for approximately seven months.

During delivery, Corstorphine Road will be reduced to one lane under temporary traffic lights between Ormidale Terrace and Murrayfield Gardens.

Community Engagement

We are holding a drop-in public information event at the Murrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May 2025 between 4pm and 7pm.

Members of the project team will be available to explain more about the work involved and take on board any concerns or questions from the community.

What We Are Doing

New screens and spill chambers are being installed to our storm overflow underneath Corstorphine Road at Ormidale Terrace.

The existing spill pipe and outfall will be retained.

When excess rainwater is discharged, the new screens will ensure any sewer related debris does not end up in the Water of Leith.

Why We Are Doing It

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

www.scottishwater.co.uk/corstorphineroad

Enough is Enough: GMB Scotland calls strike at Scottish Water

Union to serve notice of industrial action after accusing utility of sabotaging negotiations

Workers will go on strike at Scottish Water after accusing the company of sabotaging pay talks.

GMB Scotland served notice yesterday [FRIDAY] for a walkout later this month with longer and more disruptive strikes being planned.

The union said all members will take action on 28 March after accusing the company of reducing the terms of a pay offer already rejected by workers.

They had voted against an offer of 3.4% or £1400 covering the last nine months as the company changes the date for annual rises to take effect from July to April.

At talks at conciliation service Acas on Wednesday night, however, the publicly-owned utility revealed the minimum backpay would only be £1050.

Claire Greer, GMB Scotland organiser, said the company had sabotaged the talks without warning or reason: “It is by now hard to be surprised by how this company conducts negotiations but, even for them, this is beyond the pale.

“The terms of the offer were clear, had been discussed at length and had already been rejected by our members.

“For the company to arrive at talks intended to find a way forward only to produce a completely different and inferior offer is not just frustrating, it is inexplicable

“We have spent months discussing this offer only for it to be turned upside down at the eleventh hour for no apparent purpose and with only one possible outcome.

“They are gaslighting workers and making apparently firm offers that change in the wind.

“It is a nonsense and no way to conduct grown-up negotiations.

“While the actions of this company are impossible to predict or understand, the response of our members could not be clearer. Enough is enough.”

Strikes loom at Scottish Water

Workers back industrial action after offer rejected

GMB Scotland members at Scottish Water have overwhelmingly backed industrial action at the publicly-owned utility.

Industrial action potentially disrupting crucial maintenance and emergency response services was backed by almost 80% of members in a ballot with almost 70% supporting strikes.

Claire Greer, GMB Scotland organiser, said the crushing majority in support of industrial action was not surprising after a 3.4% pay offer was overwhelmingly rejected by staff.

She said: “Our members are again being forced to fight for a fair pay rise from a company where the top executives are taking home record bonus payments.

“The overwhelming support for industrial action is no surprise to our members and, given the failure to negotiate a fair offer, should come as no surprise to the company.”

The ballot of GMB Scotland members closed on Monday with a 61% turnout and 67% of members backing strike action and 77% backing industrial action short of strikes.

GMB Scotland and sister unions will meet today to detail plans before giving Scottish Water two weeks’ notice of action if there is no agreement.

The dispute comes 18 months after a rolling programme of industrial action, including strikes and overtime bans, disrupted emergency repairs, testing and maintenance at Scottish Water. 

Unions had accused the publicly-owned company of behaving “like a rogue employer” for linking a pay offer to a restructuring of grades and salaries.

Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Edinburgh

Visual cards break down barriers for inclusive swimming lessons

A PIONEERING visual teaching tool has launched in Edinburgh, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.

Supporting Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water’s vision to create ‘Generation Swim’, SwimPix – a collection of waterproof visual instruction cards- is helping to transform how Edinburgh Leisure and George Watsons swimming teachers communicate with their students.

The cards represent the latest learning development in the Learn to Swim National Framework, which currently helps around 81,000 children and adults learn to swim each week across Scotland.

SwimPix features multiple display options, including sequence boards and lesson planners, covering lessons through pictures which children with autism, hearing impairments, or where English isn’t their first language may find benefit – supporting the Framework commitment to creating inclusive, supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level.

Alison Bell, Founder of Aswim, said: “SwimPix are a tried and tested teaching and communication tool for swimming teachers that helps create a more inclusive swimming environment.

“It’s great to see teachers using SwimPix and children having fun in the lesson with the cards.  It really reduces anxieties and helps children know what the teacher is asking them to do, therefore faster learning.”

Edinburgh Leisure and George Watsons are two of 37 Learn to Swim providers who are introducing the SwimPix cards in their lessons across 165 pools in Scotland.

Euan Lowe, Chief Executive Officer at Scottish Swimming, said: “By making swimming lessons more accessible through tools like SwimPix, we’re taking another significant step toward our mission of creating a generation of confident and safer swimmers.

“These visual teaching resources ensure that swimming really is for everyone – breaking down communication barriers and helping all children feel included and supported in the water.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water said: “Learning to swim and understanding water safety are vital life skills, especially in Scotland where we have so many miles of rivers, reservoirs, lochs and coastline to enjoy.

“Rolling out inclusive teaching tools like SwimPix is such a positive step, helping provide opportunities for every child to learn the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safe in, on and around water – and help their parents and family network feel confident and comfortable in their swimming abilities.”

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to remove barriers to swimming across Scotland, with visual learning tools becoming increasingly important in inclusive education.

The Learn to Swim National Framework has already seen more than 100,000 children take part in lessons up and down the country and is targeting another 100,000 by 2025.

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit:  

https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim