Scottish Water urged to act after suspected toxic pollution kills hundreds of fish in Linlithgow Loch
Greens co-leader and anglers demand action to reduce the pollution in Linlithgow Loch
Last updated 14th Nov 2024
Local anglers are calling on household waste pipes to be diverted and politicians to regard the wellbeing of lochs as a health and safety issue.
Over a hundred fish have been found dead in Linlithgow Loch in West Lothian on Monday in a suspected toxic pollution incident.
Distressing images taken earlier this week appear to show a large number of young roach fish, with Linlithgow Loch Fishery referring to water contamination from outlet pipes as the likely cause of the fish kill.
Tom Lambert, the secretary of Linlithgow Loch Fishery says he feels "angry" and "disappointed". The angler is urging residents to be aware of what they put down their household drains, as “anything entering the drain may end up in the loch”.
Tom told Forth 1: “The only way to prevent further incidents like this happening, is for Scottish Water to spend money and divert the pipes away from the loch. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening.
“The government don’t take enough care or action regarding the wellbeing of our lochs and rivers – and their inhabitants.”
The Linlithgow local said he reported the fish kill to Scottish Water who sent investigators to the scene. Tom hopes that they will carry out an intensive survey on the sewer networks to locate the source and cause of the incident.
Owned by Historic Scotland, Linlithgow Loch is a picturesque “jewel in West Lothian's crown”, according to West Lothian Council. It is a popular destination for fishing, walking, and water sports.
Lorna Slater, the MSP for Lothian and Scottish Green Party co-leader, told Forth 1 that the incident is “deeply concerning” and is “sad that it caused this loss of nature”.
She said: “The fish die-off event will be really distressful for local people, but it won’t come as a surprise. High levels of pollution in Linlithgow Loch have been a subject of worry and campaigning for many years.”
Referring to this week’s fish kill as “one of the worst incidents we have had in years”, she reflected on progress to improve the situation as “frustratingly slow”.
She told Forth 1 that she is working alongside campaigners, Scottish Water, and SEPA to “put in place actions to reduce the pollution and ultimately, to restore Linlithgow Loch.”