Scotland’s east coast is facing record pressure on its rivers, with 17 areas now at Significant Scarcity – the highest number since the current version of the National Water Scarcity Plan was introduced. More areas could reach this level in the coming days. While it is difficult to compare directly with previous years because area boundaries have been refined over time, this year stands out for the scale and duration of low rivers flows. In the Lower Spey, for example, the 2025 season has seen the highest number of low-flow days in a 70-year record.
In response, SEPA has imposed temporary restrictions on licensed abstractions in affected areas. The total number of licence restrictions put in place so far this year is around 270, the highest number SEPA has ever issued.
Significant Scarcity is now aecting the Upper Tweed, Mid- Tweed and Lauderdale, Tyne (Lothian), Fife (East Neuk), Leven (Fife), Lunan Water, Lower Dee and Water of Feugh, South Ugie Water, River Findhorn, Findhorn (East), River Avon, Lower Spey, Deveron, Upper and Lower Don (Aberdeenshire), Ythan and North Fife areas. The River Lossie will reach Significant Scarcity today (Friday 11 September 2025). Unless there is sustained rainfall over the coming days the Brodie, River Helmsdale, Cromarty Firth (North), Inverness (East), River Nairn, Kyle of Sutherland and River Carron areas are due to go to Significant Scarcity next week. While some rain is forecast, it is not yet clear whether this will be enough to see rivers recover enough to lift restrictions.
