Surface-water abstraction controls in Scotland

The system of abstraction controls for irrigation in Scotland is one of local control orders where, to limit abstractions from any particular watercourse, the river purification authority must apply for an order from the Secretary of State for Scotland to cover abstractions from that one watercourse and its catchment. This contrasts sharply with the heavily protective system in England and Wales where the National Rivers Authority has statutory powers to license all abstractions. The purpose of this paper is to examine the abstraction control system in Scotland with a view to highlighting its advantages and limitations, and to suggest ways by which the system can be improved or made more effective.