Illegal dam cuts off school water

Communities in parts of Harris rely on streams for water supplies

A school has been left without water after a stream was dammed to divert the supply to the new home of a former health board chairman.

Engineers called out to investigate the shortage at Cliasmol School on Harris found a dam had been built illegally.

Instead of supplying the school, the stream has been linked to the home of David Currie, who used to sit on Western Isles Health Board.

The local council has written to Mr Currie asking him to remove it.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) said the dam was built without permission.

Meanwhile, the council has been providing a water bowser to operate the toilets in the school and bottled water for drinking.