Gardai say the fatal incident happened in Edenderry on Saturday evening
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07 Dec 2025
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07 Dec 2025
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Water use restrictions have been imposed on some farmers and businesses for the first time this year following prolonged dry weather which has left rivers at critical levels.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the Ythan and North Fife catchment areas have reached Significant Scarcity, the highest level of water scarcity.
It has now imposed restrictions in these areas on the amount of water that can be abstracted – the process of removing or diverting water from the natural environment through methods such as pumps and wells.
Sepa said the restrictions will be temporary and will be lifted as soon as conditions allow but that they are essential to safeguard the environment, wildlife and communities that depend on healthy rivers.
The restrictions come after months of worsening conditions, with rainfall data showing that every month of the year so far has been drier than average on Scotland’s east coast.
Chris Dailly, Sepa’s head of environmental performance (geographic), said: “The water environment in parts of Scotland is clearly under stress and protecting it remains a top priority.
“We recognise the challenges that farmers and other businesses face but no one should be caught off guard – we’ve been speaking directly to licence holders across the summer.
“If you abstract water you should already have plans in place to reduce volumes, stagger abstractions and follow the conditions of your licence.”
The Ythan and North Fife catchments have reached Significant Scarcity, the highest level of water scarcity.
We are restricting the amount of water that can be taken from the environment in these areas. If you are an affected license holder, you will be contacted.
For more… pic.twitter.com/7OyxbbGBha
— Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (@ScottishEPA) August 25, 2025
The Significant Scarcity category means that rivers are at critical levels.
Sepa said that catchments in other parts of Scotland are already under sustained stress.
The Deveron, Don, Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay and Tyne (Lothian) have been at Moderate Scarcity for an extended period, while the Spey, Almond and Tweed catchments were escalated to Moderate Scarcity last week.
Licence holders in these areas are being advised to manage abstractions carefully.
Sepa warned that without a period of consistent rainfall, further catchments, including the Deveron and Don, could escalate to Significant Scarcity in the coming days.
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