Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Flooding is a growing challenge for Scotland. As our climate changes, the risk of severe weather and flooding is increasing. We must act now to protect people and places. We are developing Scotland’s Flood Risk Management Plans for 2028–2034 and we want to hear from you. The consultation is open until 22nd April 2026: consultation.sepa.org.uk/evidence-and-f…

Strong winds due to #StormDave mean difficult conditions across Scotland this weekend. Winds may cause wave and spray overtopping around coastlines, which can be dangerous. Heavy rain is expected to cause some surface water flooding, which will make travel conditions more difficult. Flood Alerts and Warnings are in place for the areas most likely to be affected, but impacts are possible more widely. Further Alerts and Warnings will be issued as required. Check floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/f… most up to date information

Strong winds due to #StormDave mean difficult conditions across Scotland this weekend. Winds may cause wave and spray overtopping around coastlines, which can be dangerous. Heavy rain is expected to cause some surface water flooding, which will make travel conditions more difficult. Flood Alerts are in place for the areas most likely to be affected but impacts are possible more widely. Further Alerts will be issued as required. Most recent information always available at floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

Today, on April Fools’ Day, we’re celebrating something that’s no joke at all: SEPA turns 30. On 1st April 1996, we opened our doors with a clear purpose - to protect and improve Scotland’s environment for the communities and businesses who rely on it every day. Thirty years on, that purpose feels more important than ever. Cleaner rivers and coastlines, clearer air, trusted flood warnings, stronger standards and science‑led regulation are all part of a legacy built by the passion and purpose of our people, past and present. As Scotland’s environmental pressures grow ever more significant, we remain focused - evolving into a more modern, agile and collaborative organisation ready to meet the challenges ahead. Here’s to the future of our environment - no tricks, just a commitment to working with you to protect Scotland’s environment for all of us. #30yearsofsepa

From 1st April 2026, new standard conditions will apply if you’re transporting waste. These are a set of rules you must follow. Read the latest SEPA Update to find out what this means for you and your business: eepurl.com/jCx80c Or visit our website: sepa.org.uk/waste

A North Lanarkshire company has been fined £48,000 after untreated industrial effluent from its Moodiesburn factory – which makes collagen casings used in sausage production – was discharged into a local burn, significantly harming the environment. Read the full media release here: beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/saus…

We’re proud to sponsor the Coasts and Waters category at this year’s Nature of Scotland Awards. For almost 30 years, we’ve championed the health of Scotland’s rivers, lochs, wetlands and seas. We’ve driven pioneering science, shaped effective regulation and built strong partnerships with communities, conservation groups and industry. Sponsoring this award reflects our continued commitment to protecting these environments that shape Scotland’s identity, support biodiversity, and strengthen our resilience for the future. Find out more about the awards: rspb.org.uk/whats-happenin… #NatureofScotlandAwards

SEPA’s investigation into the cause and environmental impact of the diesel spill at the River Dochart, near to Killin, remains a priority and is still ongoing. Over the last month we have maintained a regular on-site presence to oversee the containment works being undertaken and to ensure any impact on the local environment caused by the diesel spill is minimised. Specialist remediation contractors, which were engaged by the site operator, remain on-site and their work continues to be successful in both stabilising the situation and reducing the pollution risk. SEPA will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the containment measures at the location for as long as is necessary. Various water samples and ecology surveys have been undertaken in the last few weeks since the pollution incident took place and our teams of expert scientists are continuing to analyse the results of these to determine the full extent of the impact on the local environment. We continue to work alongside Police Scotland and other agencies to gather evidence and information to inform our investigation. Once this process has come to a conclusion, any findings will be used to help consider the options available to us under our enforcement policy and guidance, and relevant legislation. Until that time, information about our investigations will be limited to avoid prejudicing the investigation or any potential legal proceedings. For more information on the situation, please see our latest statement: beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/upda…

We’re creating Scotland’s Flood Risk Management Plans for 2028–2034 and we want your input. Have your say on how we manage flooding in the areas most at risk. Consultation open until 22 April 2026. Take part: consultation.sepa.org.uk/evidence-and-f…

If you or your business transports waste, there are regulatory changes you need to be aware of. From 1st April 2026, new standard conditions will apply, and you’ll be required to renew your registration at least 28 days before it expires. Find out more: sepa.org.uk/waste

The Rosyth River Restoration project has secured funding for its next three phases, offering ‘huge potential’ for local ecology and community benefits. SEPA’s Water Environment Fund has committed £270,000, and Fife Council has allocated £50,000 from the Nature Restoration Fund. Read the full release here: beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/fund…

A project funded through our Water Environment Fund has removed a long‑abandoned weir on the Halter Burn near Kelso, reopening more than 1.6km of river for migratory fish. With the barrier gone, endangered species can once again reach high‑quality upstream habitat. More than 300 native trees were planted to boost biodiversity and offset carbon from the works. Read more here: beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/deca…

Due to heavy overnight rain, Flood Alerts and Warnings are in place across large parts of the Highlands throughout Thursday with localised minor river and surface water flooding impacts likely for areas of Speyside and Tayside. This will bring an increased risk of flooding and the possibility of disruption to roads and travel. Strong winds across the west coast will also bring the potential for localised minor wave overtopping across some areas. Stay up to date with the latest advice and details: floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

Our Winter Water Scarcity Report shows recovery after the 2025 drought, but risks remain. Read the full report here: beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/reco…

ℹ️ Glasgow Central station remains closed following a significant fire in a shop next to the station on Union Street. 🚆 No ScotRail services will operate to or from Glasgow Central high level. ScotRail services will not call at Glasgow Central low level, but will pass through the station to stop at Argyle Street and Anderson today. (Monday, 9 March). Please continue to keep an eye on your services via our app and website. See more info here. ⬇️ orlo.uk/LB1rX

Update - Friday 6th March SEPA regulatory officers and experts from our science teams have been on site at the site of the pollution incident, near to Killin, throughout this week. Our investigation into the cause and environmental impact of the diesel spill are progressing but remains in its early stages. Throughout this time, we have been working with Police Scotland and other partner agencies to gather evidence. When our investigation is completed, we will consider all the options available to us under our enforcement policy and guidance, and relevant legislation. As with all investigations, SEPA need to obtain and secure evidence to determine whether any offences have been committed, which takes time and care. Published information about our investigations will be limited to avoid prejudicing the investigation or any potential legal proceedings. For more information on the situation, please see our latest statement: beta.sepa.scot/.../update-6th…

Less than a week to go until the CIWEM webinar. Bringing invaluable expertise in water resources and regulation, SEPA colleagues will lead this session examining how the 2025 drought was evaluated and managed, and what this means for the upcoming water scarcity season. Register now: ciwem.org/events/water-s…

We have reached an important regulatory milestone for businesses involved in water and industrial activities across Scotland. Find out more by reading last week's SEPA Update (Business Edition). Receive the newsletter straight to your inbox by signing up on our website: sepa.org.uk/update

There are currently 2 Flood Alerts in place. Heavy and persistent rain across western Scotland on Sunday and overnight into Monday may lead to minor flooding impacts from both rivers and surface water. Stay up to date with the latest flooding information: sepa.org.uk/flooding.