Hydrological Extremes, Coasts and Risk Management

How CREW is Preparing Scotland for a Future of Water Scarcity

The recent spell of dry weather across Scotland and the rest of the UK, accompanied by periods of high temperatures, has brought water scarcity into sharp focus. However, water scarcity is not limited to hot weather and can occur at any time of year during periods of low rainfall. While periods of low rainfall are nothing new, climate projections suggest they are likely to become more frequent, longer lasting and more severe, placing increasing pressure on water resources, businesses and the natural environment.

CREW Summer 2026 Newsletter

💧 The Summer Edition of CREW News is now available ☀️

From climate change, flooding and mental health, to valuing the benefits of protecting and improving Scotland’s water environment, the latest edition of the CREW newsletter highlights recent projects, opportunities and events supporting water policy and practice across Scotland.

In this edition:

Highlighting the Role of Natural Capital in Protecting Scotland’s Water Environment

A CREW project is calling for natural capital to be placed at the heart of River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) in Scotland, helping to better connect water management with climate resilience, biodiversity recovery, public health and sustainable land use.

Climate Change, Mental Health and Flooding Event

CREW, in partnership with ClimateXChange, hosted an event on the 2nd June, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and third sector organisations to explore the growing impacts of climate change, including flooding, on mental health and wellbeing.

Reducing the mental health and wellbeing impacts of flooding: Informing cross-policy action in Scotland

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Research Funding cycle: 2022-27

A village flooded by high water, with streets and buildings partially submerged, leafless trees standing in floodwater, and wooded hills in the background under a grey sky. Photo Credit: Ian McCourt - Callander Flood Group

Scotland faces growing and complex risks from climate-related flooding, which is increasingly recognised as a significant public health challenge. Beyond physical damage, flooding has long-lasting impacts on mental health and wellbeing, affecting individuals, communities, and local services. These impacts can persist well beyond the immediate event, exacerbating existing inequalities and placing additional pressure on health and social care systems.

Household flood plans in Scotland: Applying behavioural learnings to inform best practice and uptake

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Research Funding cycle: 2022-27

Illustration of people standing near floodwater, including a family, pets, and essential belongings. A house is shown on higher ground above the floodwater. Source: Household Flood Plan. Credit: Transform Creative

Flooding in Scotland is increasing, yet many people are unaware of their risk, and few have taken steps to protect their homes. This project therefore co‑designed a new resource that enables households to create a bespoke flood action plan.

CREW Spring 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the spring edition of our quarterly newsletter, CREW NEWS! In this edition we reflect on the launch of Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical Guidance for Scottish Farmers and Growers, share a new call for proposals and hear from our Project Manager, Aniska Cameron.

We'd love to hear what you'd be interested in reading in future issues of CREW NEWS.

Natural Capital and River Basin Management Planning - Protecting and Improving Scotland’s Water Environment

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Research Funding cycle: 2022-27

River with surrounding woodland. Photo credit: Lorna Cole

Scotland is globally renowned for its natural resources like clean rivers, rich wildlife, heather moorlands and fresh air. Protecting, enhancing and restoring these resources provides us with many benefits and is essential to safeguard our future environment, wellbeing and the economy. River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) provides a framework to reduce pressures on Scotland’s water environment and protect and enhance the benefits that our rivers, lochs, wetlands and groundwaters provide.

CRW2025_08 Assessing Future Socio-Economic Water Demand in Scotland: Drivers and Patterns

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Research Funding cycle: 2022-27

Aerial view, Inverness, Scotland. Photo credit: Posnov. Source: Getty Images

Type of project: Capacity Building Project

Overview: CREW invites proposals for a c.7.5 month Capacity Building project to provide a national assessment of future socio-economic demands on Scotland’s water resources, identifying key drivers and patterns.

Budget: Funding available £115,000 exclusive of VAT (where applicable).

Call dates: Call closed.

Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers

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Research Funding cycle: 2022-27

Front Cover image of the CREW Planning for Water Scarcity guidance. This includes a image of a field, the guidance title and logos of SRUC, James Hutton Institute, University of Aberdeen and SAOS.

Water scarcity is an increasing risk across Scotland, particularly during the growing season. Changing rainfall patterns driven by climate change mean water can no longer be relied on as a consistently plentiful resource. This growing pressure affects farm businesses as well as the freshwater habitats and wildlife that depend on them.

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