Roughrigg Reservoir to Stay After Customers Have Their Say

We've taken the decision to retain Roughrigg Reservoir in North Lanarkshire following a wide public consultation with local communities.

The Category A reservoir, which is no longer used to supply water, needs a significant amount of work in the interests of safety to meet the latest guidance under the Reservoirs Scotland Act.

“Roughrigg Angling Club would like to thank Sottish Water for making the decision in favour of the club and for the wider benefit of the people of North Lanarkshire. This will be appreciated more than words can say.”

Margaret Makemson
Club Treasurer

An option to breach the popular fishing spot and plant woodland was being considered, alongside works to install new siphons at the dam.

Earlier this year, the local communities of Airdrie, Chapelhall and Salsburgh, were asked for their input on the future of Roughrigg.

An overwhelming majority of our customers described the positive impact this outdoor amenity on their doorstep has on their lives, mental health, and wellbeing.

Taking this into account, Scottish Water has further reviewed the options and decided that, at this time, keeping the reservoir offers many community benefits. However, should regulations change, and further large investment be required in the future, the situation will be reviewed again.

The decision was welcomed by the Roughrigg Angling Association whose members are the most frequent visitors at the reservoir and have been fishing there for almost 25 years.

Club Treasurer Margaret Makemson said: “Roughrigg Angling Club would like to thank Sottish Water for making the decision in favour of the club and for the wider benefit of the people of North Lanarkshire. This will be appreciated more than words can say.”

Airdrie and Shotts MSP Neil Gray, added: “I am absolutely delighted that the work we have done with Scottish Water, and the huge consultation feedback from the community, has saved the reservoir.

“I am obviously delighted for the Angling Club, who first approached me concerned about the potential loss of the reservoir, but also those in the local community who use the site.

“I greatly appreciate the responsiveness of Scottish Water and their willingness to genuinely consult on this issue. I will continue to work with them on the work that needs done both to the reservoir and the surrounding area to make it more accessible.”

Roughrigg will now be retained, using siphons to protect downstream properties and the project is already in the design stages, with completion expected by autumn next year.

The reservoir is already hugely popular for fishing, and local dog walkers. As part of the design process, Scottish Water will look to identify any potential improvements which could be made to encourage more visitors to enjoy and use the scenic beauty spot.

Andrew Dunbar, Water Service Strategy General Manager for Scottish Water said: “The views of our customers are very important to us and our engagement with the local communities helped us understand the importance they place on access to this reservoir.

“I’m very pleased we were able to achieve a positive outcome for the community, supporting the health and wellbeing of the nation.

“Scottish Water is committed to promoting access to the natural environment and encouraging communities to enjoy and protect it.”