1 Pollution

Since the original compensation flow was agreed in 1935 landuse within the catchment has become more intensive with diffuse pollution from sources such as farm slurry, commercial forestry, chemical sprays, coal mining and pollution from sewage works increasing.

Bathing water quality on Ayr beach, which is already marginal, is predicted to fail forthcoming standards. Any reduction in the high quality flow from Loch Doon will result in worse water quality in the river and Ayrshire bathing beaches.

2 Ecology

The River Doon supports a range of fish species including the iconic Atlantic salmon. The Doon is a long narrow river with few sizeable tributaries and most of the salmon spawning occurs in the main stem; reduced flow could have a serious impact on salmon productivity.

Other important, and threatened species present in the river include sea lampreys and freshwater pearl mussels. All of these species and their habitats are protected by European law and it is an offence to cause harm.

The Water Framework Directive was intended to conserve and improve rivers; surely it can’t be used as a justification to harm protected species!

3 Recreation and Amenity

The River Doon is the most productive salmon river in Ayrshire and the fishery is a hugely important economic and social resource. The consistent flow in the River Doon attracts canoeists and kayakers when flows in neighbouring rivers are low. The enjoyment of walkers using the many river paths would be affected.

Robert Burns was born on the banks of the river which he commemorates in the poem “The Banks O’ Doon”. Tourism is one of Ayrshire most important industries with Robert Burns the focal point; in this, the Homecoming Year, he would turn in his grave!

4 Economic Impact

The Doon salmon fishery is an important economic driver in the area with fishers coming from all over the UK, and beyond, to fish in its cool clear waters.

Hotels, B&B’s, restaurants and bars would all suffer as well as fisheries and their staff. The Doon Salmon Fishery Board raises and invests £20,000 annually into the management of the river. Investment which will be lost of the fishery is destroyed.

The River Doon Trout Company was established on the river to utilise the consistent water flow.

Any failure of bathing water standards on Ayrshire beaches will have a catastrophic impact on local tourism.

5 Principles

Scottish Power are being forced to make changes to the way they manage water in the Kirkcudbrightshire Dee. They intend to profit from these changes by taking yet more water from the Doon. Surely they can’t be allowed to use the Water Framework Directive, which is supposed to conserve and protect our rivers, as a justification for damaging another river.

Two wrongs do not make a right.