Reservoir

All public access rights to most land and inland water are set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Scotland’s local authorities and National Park authorities are the access authorities in their areas, with a number of specific duties and powers under the Act.

Scottish Water recognises the public value of its land and water assets and the contribution it offers to visitor's enjoyment of Scotland’s great outdoors.

But access to land and water must be managed to protect our core duties to provide high quality drinking water and provide a safe environment for our operators and the general public.  

The Scottish Water Public Access to Land and Water policy supports responsible access (singular, event or commercial use) to our land and water assets where: 

Access to Land and Water Policy

For detailed guidance on specific activities on land and water, events and commercial activities view the full Scottish Water Access to Land and Water policy 

Download here
  • It is compatible with our duty to provide high quality drinking water. 
  • It offers no security risk to Scottish Water for reasons of national or public interest.  
  • It offers limited safety risk to Scottish Water or the general public. 

It is worth noting that Milngavie reservoirs have a special set of byelaws which override the Land Reform Act - click here to read.

Access Requests 
Please email with details of your request to: AccessToLand@scottishwater.co.uk

Requesting a Memorial 
Scottish Water recognises our sites, such as reservoirs, are often places that can hold sentimental value among visitors. As a result, we often receive requests for memorials to commemorate a loved one.

Scottish Water’s preference is to support memorial trees and accompanying name plaque. Regrettably, we are unable to accept memorial benches or other memorial items on our land holdings. Please review our policy document to find out more about the options available to you.

Memorial Policy

Find out more about requesting a memorial on one of our sites

Download here

While we cannot accept requests for new memorial benches, the policy document outlines how those who have an existing bench can repair or replace it.

After reading the policy document, if you would like to make a request, please email AccessToLand@scottishwater.co.uk.

How we handle your data 

Scottish Water is committed to protecting your data and information. Our privacy notice explains how Scottish Water uses personal data collected by Scottish Water. It also sets out our commitment to safeguarding personal information held about individuals - it does not apply to information we hold about companies and other organisations. Any personal data you give to Scottish Water will be processed in accordance with current UK Data Protection laws. Read our Personal Data Policy here.