The River Doon in Ayrshire made famous by Robert
Burns “Ye banks and braes o’ bonnie Doon. How can ye
bloom sae fresh and fair”. It also however happens to be
one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland. The Doon is a
fantastic little river which in past seasons has
produced just under 2,000 salmon a year to rod and
line...... but it is on the brink of disaster. It is
allegedly the intention of Scottish Power (Owned by the
Spanish utility company Iberdrola) due to new EU
regulations, to reduce the current flow from 45 million
gallons per day, from Loch Doon, which was agreed in an
act of parliament in 1930, down to 28 mgd, i.e. a
reduction of almost 40%. The reason for this reduction
in flow is that under the new regulations Scottish Power
must restore some of the flow back to the
Kirkcudbrightshire Dee. As such the easiest option is to
take it from Loch Doon. It is believed that the Doon
currently already loses in the region of about 30% of
its water due to hydro activity. It is also believed
Scottish Power, due to the proposed increase in flow
down the Kircudbrightshire Dee are planning to install
another generating turbine.
A reduction of almost 40% to the current flow of the Doon would have significant and detrimental impacts on migratory and non migratory fish stocks. As such anglers up and down the river are extremely worried about the drastic reduction in the quality of the fishing. Reducing the flow would effectively finish the Doon as a salmon river of any significance. Additionally a reduction in flow, of the magnitude being proposed, would effectively “kill” off any fishing in the upper river. With the present flow the Doon is unique among other Ayrshire rivers in that it allows salmon to enter and run much of it without a the need of a spate. As such it can be fished when other rivers in the area are totally unfishable. A direct result of this, is the significant economic benefits it brings to the area. As well as being a splendid salmon river it also supports other species such as the endangered freshwater pearl mussel and as well as the rare Saucer Bugs which are only found on another 5 or 6 Scottish rivers. Help save this river by signing the petition at:
Please also pass on the link to others who may wish to support saving this fine river.
Alexander Baird Keachie"
Please support this campaign, Spinfish will if the allegations are substantiated, but we need to find out more about this issue from Scottish Power. There will be more to follow on this issue.
