River Doon campaign reaches parliament

Sep 18 2009

THE CAMPAIGN to stop power chiefs from diverting 40 per cent of the River Doon has reached the Scottish Parliament.

MSP John Scott spoke out against the move during parliamentary questions in a bid to highlight fears that the move could create an environmental disaster.

The MSP for Ayr explained to environment minister Roseanna Cunningham that there are serious concerns that it could increase pollution in the bathing water at Ayr beach.

And she confirmed that Scottish Power are expected to lodge a formal plan with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in December.

Mr Scott said: “While the power to determine any plan to vary the water flow in the River Doon rests with SEPA, I do believe that there is an important role that can be played by the Scottish Government in helping make sure that the Doon is protected.

“I drew the environment minister’s attention to the ecological damage that a significant reduction in water flow would cause and also to the risk of increased bathing water pollution in the Ayr bay.

“I also called on her to closely monitor this situation to help ensure that the River Doon will not be plundered in the way presently being threatened.”

It is understood that Scottish Power will apply to redirect 17 million gallons of water every day to create extra hydro electric power in the River Dee in Kirkcudbrightshire.

But critics believe that it could diminish salmon stocks, destroy mussel beds and cause problems for businesses dependant on water from the Doon.

Mr Scott added: “Nothing must be done that harms the Doon, its fish stock, or which poses a threat to water quality in the Ayr bay. The Scottish Parliament and government can and must play their part in backing the efforts of the local campaign to protect the river.

“While the minister did not feel able to commit herself to a position in advance of Scottish Power formally lodging their proposals, she did make clear that she was aware of the threat to the Doon and of the opposition to what she described as the ‘extreme’ option of reducing water flow by as much as 40 per cent.

“We need to keep as much pressure as possible on all the relevant authorities to convince Scottish Power that a significant reduction in water flow in the River Doon is not an acceptable option.”