Water Scarcity in Scotland: Future Impact for Distilleries and Agriculture

Research led by The James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College, the University of Aberdeen, and the British Geological Survey, highlights the increasing threat of water scarcity in Scotland due to climate change. Recently published in The Geographer (Winter 2024 edition, Adaption: Are we ready? And how far is it possible to adapt?), the study examines the potential impact on agriculture and distilleries.
Scotland’s agriculture and whisky industries rely heavily on rainfall and surface water. However, projections up to 2049 indicate reduced summer and early autumn rainfall, especially in eastern Scotland. This will likely double the frequency of low river flow events by 2050. For example, low flows in the River Spey, important for Scotch whisky production, could increase from once every five years to every two.
The research outlines risks across sectors:
- Crop Production: Lower yields and income losses due to reduced rainfall during critical growth stages.
- Livestock Farming: Diminished grass growth, water access, and animal health risks.
- Distilleries: Potential production halts due to restrictions in water use.
Proposed measures include efficient irrigation, increased water storage during wetter winters, and improved soil and groundwater management. While the whisky industry is exploring water-saving technologies, stakeholders in agriculture face challenges such as financial constraints and infrastructure needs.
This research underscores the urgency for Scotland’s industries to adapt to water scarcity, advocating proactive planning, innovative solutions, and further study to ensure resilience against future droughts.
CREW would like to thank the research team (The James Hutton Institute, the University of Aberdeen, SRUC and BGS) and the Project Steering Groups (Consumer Scotland, NatureScot, SEPA, WICS and the Scottish Government) for their dedication and support to the project and in addressing this important issue.
See the full project outputs here.
Scotland’s Flood Resilience Conference Highlights Urgent Need for Action and Innovation

The 2025 Sniffer (now Verture ) Flood Resilience Conference brought together experts, policymakers, and communities at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh to tackle the pressing challenges of flood resilience.
Dr Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action, launched Scotland’s National Flood Resilience Strategy, emphasising the importance of proactive flood management and how Scotland takes flooding seriously. One of CREWs recent science policy fellowships (Building Public Health Resilience to Fluvial Flooding in Scotland) features in the strategy and you can read more about that here.
The conference also amplified young voices from local schools, highlighting the next generation’s concerns and aspirations for climate resilience, and gave a platform to early career researchers from SEPA, AECOM, RPALtd, University of Dundee and Mott MacDonald.
Key sessions explored innovative flood solutions, sustainable drainage systems, and nature-based approaches. Please follow the links for more information about our recently published SuDS (sustainable drainage systems) project, ‘Increasing flood resilience: residential and community runoff retention solutions’ and our science-policy fellowship ‘Resilience to Fluvial Flooding: Knowns and Unknowns to Recommendations for Management’ which touched on the theme of natural flood management.
One of the most impactful talks came from members of the Glasgow Disability Alliance who spoke about involving disabled people in flood resilience, giving examples of how critical it is for disabled peoples voices to be included in emergency response planning. The CREW science-policy fellowship ‘Policy to Preparedness: Flood Policy and Community Engagement’ broaches inequalities in society. The research team finding that distribution of physical flood risk is not fair nor equal, nor are the social circumstances of many who live on low incomes with limited resources.
The event underscored the need for co-produced, community-led solutions. As Sniffer’s new CEO, Jo Kerr, noted, “We need to meaningfully and deeply co-produce solutions.” With Scotland facing increasing flood risks, these conversations will shape future strategies for resilience and adaptation.
On a final note, we would like to thank Diarmuid O'Neill, Director of Environment and Forestry for Scottish Government for mentioning the work done by CREW in his plenary address, and to also thank all of the people who came to talk to us at the CREW stand.
Exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence for flood forecasting in Scotland

Type of project: Science Policy Fellowship
Overview: CREW invites proposals for a c.3-month Science Policy Fellowship to undertake a rapid evidence review of the current and emerging capabilities of AI to support and enhance flood forecasting capabilities.
Budget: The anticipated funding available is a maximum of £40,000 exclusive of VAT (where applicable), subject to CREW Year 4 budget approval.
Project Status: Project in procurement.
Call dates: Monday 27th January 2025 – Tuesday 18th February 2025, 12:00 noon
Deadline for queries: Friday 7th February 2025
For more information on this call, please see the project specification.
Please note, team applications are eligible for CREW Science Policy Fellowships.
For any queries, please contact procurement@crew.ac.uk.
Applicants for this CREW Science Policy Fellowship Project should submit this Science Policy Fellowship Application form to procurement@crew.ac.uk by the above stated deadline.
Sharing Insights on Hydropower and Sediment Management

Great discussions were held this week at a hybrid hydro-sector dissemination event at the Advanced Research Centre (University of Glasgow), where Professor Richard Williams presented findings from the CREW project, “Environmentally effective and cost-efficient sediment management at impoundments.”
The team showcased their insightful project video, available here and also shared an infographic illustrating how river health relies on sediment flow (pictured).
The event also featured:
- A presentation of a guidance framework for best practice in hydropower licensing applications, which was developed as part of the project.
- A presentation by Professor Nick Hanley about the project’s cost-benefit analysis for catchment sediment management.
- Engaging round-table discussions on the project report’s recommendations. The most popular of which being how to raise awareness of sediment management within the hydropower community.
Learn more here: Environmentally effective and cost-efficient sediment management at impoundments | CREW | Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Waters
CREW would like to thank the research team (University of Glasgow and cbec eco engineering) and the Project Steering Group (Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Canals, NatureScot and the Scottish Government) for their dedication and support to the project and in addressing this important issue.
Environmentally effective and cost-efficient sediment management at impoundments

Impoundments on rivers are often critical for purposes such as power generation and water supply yet they can also reduce or prevent the natural movement of sediment downstream. Accumulation of sediment behind an impoundment can pose a risk to its intended use and result in adverse ecological consequences downstream due to sediment not being naturally replenished. This project developed initiatives to raise awareness of the commercial and environmental risks associated with sediment discontinuity caused by impoundments.
Knowledge exchange activities with the hydropower community enabled the production of a video and infographic to communicate key messages. A hydropower scheme permit application guidance framework was also developed to assist both operators and regulators. Cost-benefit analysis evaluated the environmental and commercial effectiveness of various catchment sediment management options. Riparian planting and peatland restoration delivered a positive benefit in all cost-benefit scenarios, and in most scenarios, catchment-scale tree planting also generated positive benefits.
SEPA and NatureScot have key leadership roles in disseminating these findings to the hydropower community and in managing rivers more broadly. The project also demonstrated a need within the hydropower community for further knowledge exchange activities which would likely maintain or improve river catchment health and reduce commercial risk.
Project outputs
Full length video: Securing Scotland's Energy Future: Sediment Management in Hydropower
CD2024_03 Scottish One Health AMR Register (SOHAR): Update to support and underpin UK AMR NAP 2024-2029 – Workstream 6 (Scotland) activities

Type of project: Call Down
Project Status: Project in procurement. Call closed.
Overview: This Call Down project aims to refresh and update the existing Scottish One Health AMR Register to: encompass developments in the AMR research landscape over the last 3 years, taking into consideration relevant developments at pertinent levels; identify key priorities for development and progression of the register, such as refinement of purpose and potential utilisation for policymakers, practitioners, the public and other stakeholders, and showcase existing and ongoing work and collaborations in Scotland as well as collaborations with partners outside Scotland, taking into consideration both research and relevant policy developments.
Scotland Explores New Strategies to Monitor Freshwater and Wetland Ecosystems

Scotland Explores New Strategies to Monitor Freshwater and Wetland Ecosystems
A recent mid-project workshop has brought together leading experts to rethink how freshwater and wetland ecosystems are monitored across Scotland. The goal of this current CREW project is to create a more dynamic, resource-efficient approach to ecosystem health monitoring that aligns with Scotland’s commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.
Participants from across 14 different organisations identified challenges with current Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) methods, which often assess habitats and species in isolation. This approach can overlook broader environmental pressures, such as climate change, diffuse pollution, and invasive species. As Scotland prepares for an expanded network of protected areas, experts called for a shift towards monitoring that considers entire landscapes and ecosystems.
Key recommendations from the workshop included using innovative technologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and remote sensing, to enhance data collection and analysis. Collaboration and data-sharing across organisations were emphasised as essential to optimising resources and addressing data gaps. Participants also highlighted the potential for citizen science initiatives to engage communities in monitoring efforts.
CREW would like to thank the research team (the University of Dundee) and the Project Steering Group (NatureScot, SEPA and the Scottish Government) for their continued efforts on this project which will be completed in the new year.
For more information, please visit the project page.
Increasing flood resilience: residential and community runoff retention solutions

In recent years there has been an increased awareness of the need to address surface water runoff in urban environments. This includes understanding where flood risks may arise, increase, or change in the future due to climate change and increased urban creep, the increased conversion of gardens and other vegetated areas which help to soak up rain. To support resilient surface water management in urban environments, the identification, efficacy, cost effectiveness and prioritisation of implementable flood risk management solutions is essential.
This project evaluated and compared the cost and effectiveness of residential and community property rainwater runoff source control solutions to increase flood resilience. Source control Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) manage water at or near its source, in order to slow down or stop the water entering the drainage system.
The project undertook a literature review, case study reviews and cost benefit analysis to consider the following key issues:
- What are the multiple benefits of source control SuDS and suitability for different urban land types?
- What are the barriers to adopting these solutions at both residential and community property level?
- What are the opportunities and recommendations for overcoming these barriers?
Project Outputs
Understanding the relationship between water scarcity and land use in private water supply catchments – a review

This project aimed to compile an evidence base and offer recommendations informing policy and practice regarding how land use changes may impact the amount of water available to private water supplies (PWS). The focus was on the impacts to water availability from emerging land use trends of tree planting (afforestation and agroforestry) and wind farm development in Scotland.
The project involved a review of the available scientific evidence and a review of international PWS policies and practices considering PWS in relation to tree planting and wind farm development, and stakeholder engagement. Key findings included that tree planting effects on water availability vary widely based on a complex set of inter-related factors, such as timing, spatial orientation, extent of planting, tree species, and landscape characteristics, including previous land use. Agroforestry effects are generally smaller than for afforestation, but they are more sensitive to specific planting details. Wind farm effects also depend on landscape factors and specific characteristics like type, number, and density of turbines, with limited research available for Scottish landscapes.
The key findings of the project emphasize the need for better data, data availability, integrated policies, and stakeholder engagement to prevent negative impacts on PWS amidst changing land use change trends.
Previous project page
Securing Scotland's Energy Future: The Crucial Role of Sediment Management in Hydropower

In line with the Scottish Government's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045, a new CREW project carried out by researchers at the University of Glasgow and CBEC eco-engineering is shedding light on sediment management in hydropower operations. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of sediment delivery to hydropower structures and explore the potential economic implications of these changes, particularly in the face of climate change.
Background and Scope
The project builds upon an earlier CREW study, Sediment continuity through run-of-river hydropower schemes | CREW | Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Waters which was the first of its kind to assess the impacts of sediment continuity on run-of-river hydropower structures in Scotland. The study revealed a highly variable impact on sediment continuity, with some cases showing significant implications for project resilience and sustainability. While this earlier research provided valuable insights, it also revealed significant knowledge gaps, particularly concerning the financial ramifications of sediment management issues. The current project aims to address these gaps by engaging hydropower operators across Scotland through outreach activities and conducting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of sediment management practices.
Project Objectives
The project has two primary aims:
- Raising Awareness: Improve understanding in the hydropower sector on basic river geomorphological processes and the impact of sediment continuity (or discontinuity) for river habitats and species.
- Understanding Economic Impacts: Highlighting the commercial risks and benefits associated with different sediment management options, especially considering increased sediment delivery due to climate change.
Achieving these objectives is expected to streamline the permit process for hydropower operators and regulatory bodies like SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency), ultimately contributing to more sustainable hydropower operations in Scotland.
To facilitate this, a stakeholder workshop was held at the University of Glasgow. The workshop provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among 20 invited stakeholders from the hydropower sector, including representatives from industry, NGOs, environmental consultants, and public agencies. The discussions were led by an independent facilitator and centred around four core activities.
Activities and Key Insights
- Sediment Management Challenges: Participants discussed their experiences and knowledge gaps regarding sediment management. Key insights included the need for clearer regulatory guidelines, better design considerations for hydropower structures to handle sediment and more collaborative approaches to managing sediment continuity.
- Impacts and Best Practices: Stakeholders addressed the financial and environmental costs of different sediment management practices, with stakeholders identifying both proactive and reactive measures. The costs associated with different practices varied significantly, underscoring the need for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.
- Case Study Scenarios: Groups analysed hypothetical hydropower scenarios to explore environmental and operational impacts of sediment transport, considering future climate change projections. The discussions revealed concerns over potential damage to hydropower structures and the increased costs of sediment management, which could threaten the financial viability of some schemes.
- Communication Strategies: The workshop concluded with brainstorming on effective ways to communicate sediment management challenges to a broader audience. Participants suggested various formats, including videos, infographics, interactive animations, and social media content.
Outcome and Moving Forward
Feedback from the workshop highlighted the need for a collaborative approach with proactive sediment management strategies. Participants emphasized the importance of clear, focused regulatory frameworks and educational initiatives from regulators.
As the project progresses, the insights gained from the workshop will inform the development of practical guidelines and communication materials to support the hydropower sector in navigating sediment management challenges. By directly engaging stakeholders, the project aims to align hydropower practices with Scotland's net zero aspirations, ensuring resilient and sustainable energy production for the future.
The ongoing engagement and dissemination efforts (including a video, report and infographic) will be crucial in transforming awareness into action, enabling Scotland's hydropower sector to adapt effectively to the evolving environmental landscape. Watch this space for project outputs, including a report, plain language summary, and a video highlighting basic river processes and how they relate to sediment management by hydropower schemes.
CREW would like to thank the research team (University of Glasgow and cbec- eco-engineering) and the Project Steering Group (SEPA, NatureScot, and Scottish Canals) for their dedication and support to the project and in addressing this important issue.
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