Scotland is Extremely Thirsty!

The Spey, the Deveron are rivers whose names evoke not just wild beauty, but the very pulse of Scottish life and industry. Yet, after spending 6 weeks on their banks during the spring of 2025, what I have seen is worrying. Our rivers, the arteries that nourish our communities, drive our economy, and cradle the iconic Atlantic salmon, are showing undeniable signs of strain. 

Beaufort On Delfur River Spey

We are going through an unprecedented period of dryness. By mid-May, rivers across our nation, including these mentioned, are displaying the alarmingly low levels we’d normally associate with a protracted summer drought. The Deveron, for instance, has seen no meaningful recovery in its flow since the cold days of February. This isn't just an environmental headline; it's a stark reality that touches every household, every farm, every business that relies on this most fundamental resource. 

Although some may think this is totally down to Climate Change, it's crucial to understand that this will be only part of the story. The pressures we see today are also the result of half a century of transformation in how we live, work, and manage our land. Over these 50 years, Scotland has grown and developed, and our demands on our rivers and their water have changed considerably. This isn't about blame; it's about acknowledging and understanding the journey that has brought us here. 

The Beautiful River Deveron Looking quite dry

The story of our rivers' current state is intertwined with the story of modern Scotland. We all need to drink, and abstraction schemes have expanded to supply our growing communities with safe, clean water. Our industries, from the smallest local enterprise to national corporations, need water to function, to create products, and to provide livelihoods. 

Consider the dams that generate part of our renewable energy, helping power our homes and businesses. Look at our agricultural sector, where water abstraction is essential for irrigating the crops that feed us and support our rural economies, especially during these increasingly frequent dry spells. Think back to the large-scale drainage for conifer plantations and agricultural improvement between the 1960s and 2000s – although many were a by-product of a stupid 98% tax burden, ultimately, the aim of those was boosting productivity and economic output in this sector. 

On the riverside, human populations have increased, and with them, domestic water consumption, reflecting improved living standards and changing habits. Our mature forests, part of our diverse landscape, naturally consume water. And, of course, there's our world-renowned whisky industry. Its incredible success and expansion, with distilleries increasing production and new ones emerging, mean a significant and growing demand for pure Scottish water – a cornerstone of its quality and our economy. 

Even as we look to the future, with developments like hydrogen production facilities proposed for areas like Speyside, we see new demands emerging. These will be part of an energy transition, but they bring their own water footprint that must be managed with foresight. Each of these factors, born from human need and economic endeavour, contributes to the cumulative pressure on our water resources. 

A message from the Salmon  

For those spending time and working on the river, the most visible indicator of this intense pressure are our wild Atlantic salmon. These magnificent fish are more than just a symbol of wild Scotland; they are a living barometer of the health of both our freshwater and our saltwater environments. Their struggles to return, to spawn in rivers with flows so different from those they evolved with, are shouting a loud message to us all. 

The River Deveron at Upper Netherdale

When we see critically low water levels in the Deveron and Spey by mid-May, it’s not simply an angler's lament. It's a sign that the intricate systems that support these fish, and ultimately, us – are out of balance. Reduced juvenile fish output isn't just a loss for future fishing; it signals an ecosystem under extreme stress. Lower salmon returns tell us that the resilience of these environments is being eroded. Their plight signals that the health of our rivers, estuaries, and routes to and from distant ocean feeding grounds is compromised. This is a message with profound socio-economic implications, affecting tourism, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of the environments that sustain us. 

Accepting Change, Learning, and Adapting 

Our rivers are indeed crying out, and the salmon’s struggle is a clear call for a new wisdom in how we manage our shared waters. We must acknowledge our collective role in this situation – not with recrimination, but with a commitment to learn and adapt. Change, in our societal demands, and that of the river is a reality. The challenge for us and future generations is to navigate this change responsibly. 

We need to think of the river as something much more than something we continually take from. We must work with it, forming a cultural relationship. We must -   

• Acknowledge Our Interdependence. Understand that our economic health, social well-being, and environmental vitality are inextricably linked. What we do to our rivers, we ultimately do to ourselves. 

• Champion Water Stewardship Across All Sectors.  This is about more than just regulation; it's about fostering a culture of efficiency and responsibility. For industry, agriculture, and domestic users, water saved is a resource protected for all. Investment in water-efficient technologies isn't just an environmental cost; it's a long-term economic and social imperative. 

• Embrace Integrated Water Management - Decisions about water use must balance the needs of communities, the demands of industry and agriculture, and the essential requirements of the environment. This requires collaboration and foresight. 

• Value Our Natural Infrastructure - Investing in river restoration, peatland recovery, and sensitive land management is vital. It’s an investment in crucial natural infrastructure that provides clean water, mitigates floods, supports biodiversity, and underpins sectors like tourism. 

• Let the salmon's plight, and the state of our rivers, inform our planning and policies. Their recovery will be a sign that we are succeeding in restoring a healthier balance. 

• We need our leaders, businesses, scientists, and communities to work together, developing and implementing policies that ensure water security for future generations while respecting the ecological limits of our precious river systems. 

The path ahead requires a pragmatic and honest approach. People need to drink, and businesses need to thrive. But for those things to happen sustainably, our rivers also need to be healthy. The challenge of this dry spring in 2025 is not just to endure it, but to learn from it, and to forge a future where Scotland’s people, its economy, and its iconic natural heritage can all flourish, supported by the lifeblood of truly healthy rivers. Let the salmon’s message be our guide. 

I have not written for some time and future writing will depend on a response. Please acknowledge that you have read the article with a "Read with Interest" Comment via email. Many thanks. Ian