WATCH: Summer visitor appeal from Scottish Water to respect Highland reservoirs
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Summer visitors are being asked to respect Scotland’s reservoirs and behave responsibly around them during the holiday period.
Reservoirs are expected to attract higher than normal numbers of people keen to enjoy the outdoors as Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have eased and more people holiday in Scotland rather than travel abroad, in accordance with Scottish Government advice.
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 such as 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.
Scottish Water is urging visitors to any of its 300 reservoirs to play their part by familiarising themselves with, and following, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and:
- Take your litter home
- Don’t cut down or damage trees
- Use a stove rather than lighting a fire
- If you must light an open fire, keep it small and under control
- Remove all traces of your visit before you leave
- If you need to go to the toilet, do so away from water sources
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code’s key principles include - respect the interests of other people, care for the environment, and take responsibility for your own actions.
Scottish Water’s call includes a reminder that visitor safety is a key factor as reservoirs are part of the nation'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 lockdown restrictions and the advice about not travelling abroad, many people will be planning to holiday in Scotland and 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.”
Our #RespectOurReservoirs video highlights how visitors can play their part in helping to protect the natural environment, for example by taking their litter home and leaving no trace, and offers advice on how to be safe around watercourses like reservoirs.
More information on VisitScotland’s Responsible Tourism campaign, including advice on how to travel around Scotland responsibly, is available here: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/responsible-tourism/
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