Reservoir drained after dam worry

The area is popular with cormorants [pictured] and herons

Concerns over the structural integrity of a dam have resulted in a reservoir near Falkirk being drained.

The stretch of water, known as the Little Denny Reservoir, is no longer used as a public water supply.

Work is due to begin on fixing the dam on 10 December with completion expected in March next year.

Scottish Water said Scottish Natural Heritage and the Environment Protection Agency had been consulted over the ecological impact of the move.

The organisation also held discussions with the Forth Fisheries Trust and Falkirk Council over the issue.

The reservoir is a favourite spot for local fishermen and supported a population of brown trout.

Water level

The area is also popular with herons and cormorants.

Scottish Water is currently in discussions with fishing groups to agree a compensation package for the loss of fish stocks and business costs.

The company said it would pay to have the reservoir restocked with fish when work to reinforce the dam was completed.

Project manager for Scottish Water, Stewart Robertson, said: "We did not take lightly the requirement to drain the water.

"We have made every effort to keep any environmental impact to a minimum, including carrying out an ecological survey prior to work starting."

Following completion, Scottish Water said the reservoir would be refilled with the expectation that animal and plant life would re-establish itself naturally.