Easter visitor appeal to respect Scotland’s reservoirs

“We ask people to act responsibly and respect our reservoirs – enjoy the setting but leave no trace behind.”

Peter Farrer
Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Water

Easter weekend visitors are being asked to respect Scotland’s reservoirs during the holiday period.  

Reservoirs are expected to attract higher than normal numbers of people keen to enjoy the outdoors as lockdown restrictions look set to ease alongside the advice to stay local.

Many reservoirs, which can be popular with local visitors, have very limited car parking and amenities.

Scottish Water is supporting VisitScotland’s sustainable tourism campaign and is asking reservoir visitors to respect, protect and enjoy these beauty spots.

Anti-social behaviour was reported last summer at reservoirs at Gladhouse and Clubbiedean, near Edinburgh; Lintrathen and Backwater, which supply water to Dundee and Perth; Loch Turret, near Crieff; Milngavie which is a key part of the Glasgow network; Greenside in West Dunbartonshire; Stanley near Paisley and Carron Valley in Stirlingshire.

Incidents of vandalism to property included: damage to trees; fires being lit and left unattended, littering, tents discarded, human waste left; and vehicles parked inconsiderately and dangerously.

The call includes a reminder that visitor safety is a key factor as reservoirs are part of Scottish Water’s supply network and can present unique dangers from underwater infrastructure and cold water.

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Water, said: “We anticipate that, because of the easing of some lockdown restrictions and the advice to stay local, many people will understandably want to enjoy the outdoors at some of our scenic reservoirs.

“We ask people to act responsibly and respect our reservoirs – enjoy the setting but leave no trace behind. They can do this by planning and preparing for their visit. They should consider other people and services including ensuring cars are parked safely and do no obstruct either our working vehicles or the emergency services.

“We are also urging people to stay safe. There are many hidden dangers in reservoirs which are working assets. Water temperatures can also cause shock and result in someone getting into difficulty.”

Visitors should follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The code’s key principles include - respect the interests of other people, care for the environment, and take responsibility for your own actions.
 

More information on the code is available on our website here.

More information on VisitScotland’s Responsible Tourism campaign, including advice on how to travel around Scotland responsibly, is available here.