Moray Council commits to working with partners on river improvements while highlighting funding challenge
Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee has agreed to continue working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to identify solutions to improve fish passage in local watercourses, while being clear about the significant financial challenges involved.
SEPA has identified six locations across Moray where barriers are restricting fish movement and has called for improvements as part of Scotland's River Basin Management Plan. One project on the Rothes Burn is already under way with support from external funding, while a further five sites remain under consideration.
The committee agreed that officers will continue discussions with SEPA and other partners to explore solutions and funding opportunities. Works will be progressed where full third-party funding is available or where improvements can be delivered as part of wider infrastructure projects without significantly increasing costs.
Current estimates suggest that improving fish passage at the site SEPA has advised is a priority, the Linkwood Burn, could cost around £150,000. Other organisations have agreed to undertake works to remove restrictions on this watercourse. Work at the remaining sites could cost approximately £1.6 million. These figures are estimates based on similar projects currently being undertaken elsewhere in Moray.
The council recognises the environmental benefits of improving fish passage and remains committed to working constructively with SEPA. However, members also acknowledged the considerable financial pressures facing local government and the need to balance environmental ambitions with other essential services and spending priorities.
Cllr Marc Macrae, Chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “We recognise the importance of improving our rivers and watercourses and the positive impact this can have on biodiversity and the wider environment. However, we also have to be open and honest about the scale of investment required and the financial pressures currently facing the council.
“Our approach is a practical and responsible one. We will continue to work closely with SEPA and other partners to identify opportunities to deliver these improvements when we can, particularly where external funding can be secured or where works can be incorporated into larger projects.”
The River Basin Management Plan is a national framework for protecting and improving Scotland's water environment. While public bodies, including councils, must take account of the plan when making decisions, Moray Council has advised that its current financial position means it cannot commit to undertaking unfunded works of this scale.