Questions asked of First Minister as disruption continues to water supplies in Berwickshire
'This situation has caused considerable distress and anxiety...'
Last updated 2nd Sep 2025
Disruption is continuing to water supplies across Berwickshire - a week after the "catastrophic failure" of a pipe at Rawburn Water Treatment Works left around 6,000 homes and businesses without.
Scottish Water has confirmed four "follow on bursts" have been identified in and around Foulden and Swinton.
Around 80 properties are believed to be affected by the latest breach, but the water company says repairs are underway.
In the meantime, it adds, some customers may experience low pressure or intermittent supply.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: "We are closely monitoring the wider situation and will maintain tankering operations in the area until further notice, ensuring ongoing supply to properties and further strengthen our water network.
"Again we’d like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience whilst we continue to return supplies to all customers."
Meanwhile, local Conservative MP John Lamont has written to First Minister John Swinney to urge him to launch an investigation into the "water crisis" - and Scottish Water's response.
He's also seeking clarification from the SNP MSP on whether or not improvements identified as being required in a 2022 report to ensure Rawburn remained operational were completed, as well as an assurance that all customers affected by the loss of water will be fully compensated.
"This situation has caused considerable distress and anxiety to local residents and businesses, particularly vulnerable people and farmers managing livestock," Mr Lamont said.
"From the moment this crisis started, I was pushing Scottish Water for answers and sought to update local residents as much as possible.
"While local teams on the ground were doing their best to help, the lack of communication and disorganisation from Scottish Water HQ was appalling."
And he added: "I’ve now written to the First Minister John Swinney to urge him to investigate this and ensure this terrible situation does not happen again."
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