Investing in Gladhouse Reservoir

Project Overview

Gladhouse Reservoir is a drinking water source to 150,000 customers in Midlothian and parts of Edinburgh. To keep it running smoothly, we need to carry out maintenance and upgrades.

Over the next two years, we will be working on a multi-million-pound improvement project to keep the site safe and reliable.

Most of the construction work will take place on the north shore of the reservoir, where the spillway will undergo a major refurbishment.

The works are being carried out by Scottish Water’s delivery partner, George Leslie Ltd.

At A Glance

Provides drinking water to 150,000 customers
Supplies Midlothian and parts of Edinburgh
Multi-million-pound investment
Expected completion 2027

Gladhouse Reservoir satellite map graphic

Gladhouse Reservoir Investment Project

Satellite view of the planned work at Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian

What We Are Doing

Over the next two years, we’ll be carrying out a major refurbishment of the spillway channel, including replacing and raising the road bridge to accommodate shifting weather patterns leading to flood events.

The spillway is a controlled overflow channel that directs excess water from a reservoir to prevent flooding and protect the dam structure, especially during heavy rainfall or storms.

Before work can commence on the spillway, the road bridge must be removed in consideration of the health and safety risk to the teams operating underneath it. This means that a road closure will be in place from June 2025. The diversion route will be via Temple Village.

Other refurbishment work will include strengthening joints, improving flood defences, and installing temporary valves to help control water levels.

Why We Are Doing It

The spillway channel needs to be upgraded to help protect and maintain the long-term condition of this vital Scottish Water asset. The existing road bridge is currently limiting the flow of water during heavy rainfall and flooding, so it must be removed and replaced.

These improvements are required to make sure Scottish Water meets the legal standards set out in the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011. The work addresses specific safety measures known as Measures in the Interest of Safety (MIOS).

The decision to remove the bridge has been instructed by the All-Reservoirs Panel Engineer (ARPE). This is to reduce the risk of serious damage to both the bridge and the spillway during flooding events.

Aerial view of a curved road passing through a rural landscape with patches of grass, trees, and a small building. A bridge crosses a narrow stream.

Infrastructure Upgrade

Both the reservoir's spillway and road bridge (pictured) will undergo significant investment and upgrade

Community Engagement

We are committed to keeping residents and visitors informed and involved throughout the duration of the project.

As part of this effort, we are engaging with the closest neighbours to the reservoir on an ongoing basis to ensure they are aware of the upcoming works.

In addition, we hosted a drop-in event for the community to share detailed plans of the upcoming work.

The event - which was held at Gorebridge Beacon (EH23 4TT) on Thursday, 24 April - was well attended by around 50 people. If you missed it but would like more information, check out our document hub section.

Gladhouse Reservoir Document Hub

Click the link below to find all content displayed at our drop-in event.

Click here

An aerial view of a construction site near a large body of open water with surrounding green landscape.

Aerial view of a curving road alongside a dam, with water on one side and a rugged landscape on the other.

Aerial view of a dam surrounded by forested areas

Construction Site

Aerial footage of the construction site and compound on the reservoir's north shore

Visiting Gladhouse During Construction

We recognise our reservoirs provide important access to green space, and Gladhouse reservoir is enjoyed and valued for many reasons by those who visit.

That being said, you'll still be able to visit the reservoir while our work takes place, however; there are several restrictions in place to be mindful of. As always, we'll do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.

From Monday, 28 April 2025 for approximately four months, there will be a footpath closure along the dam crest to allow for work to be carried out on the valve towers (see image 1 below). Pedestrians will be diverted around the road. This should not affect access for residents or Anglers.
From Monday, 12 May until Sunday, 5 October 2025 there will be a temporary clearway order, meaning it is illegal to stop/ park except in an emergency (see image 2 below).
From June 2025 - in conjunction with the road closure - there will be no alternative walkway via the road bridge route.