Scottish Water is to retain Roughrigg Reservoir in North Lanarkshire following a wide public consultation.

The Category A reservoir, which is no longer used to supply water, needs a significant amount of work in the interests of safety to meet the latest guidance under the Reservoirs Scotland Act.

Earlier this year, Scottish Water asked local communities to have their say on the future of the reservoir.

An option to breach the fishing spot and plant woodland was being considered, alongside works to install new siphons at the dam.

Earlier this year, the local communities of Airdrie, Chapelhall and Salsburgh, were asked for their input on the future of Roughrigg.


An overwhelming majority of customers described the positive impact this outdoor amenity on their doorstep has on their lives, mental health, and wellbeing.

Taking this into account, Scottish Water has further reviewed the options and decided that, at this time, keeping the reservoir offers many community benefits. However, should regulations change, and further large investment be required in the future, the situation will be reviewed again.

The decision was welcomed by the Roughrigg Angling Association whose members are the most frequent visitors at the reservoir and have been fishing there for almost 25 years.

Club Treasurer Margaret Makemson said: "Roughrigg Angling Club would like to thank Sottish Water for making the decision in favour of the club and for the wider benefit of the people of North Lanarkshire. This will be appreciated more than words can say."

Roughrigg will now be retained, using siphons to protect downstream properties and the project is already in the design stages, with completion expected by autumn next year.