Management
All aspects of the management of the river, its major uses, resource and issues are covered by The Water of Leith Management Plan 2020-30. Seven topic areas have been identified and each contains an aim,
list of objectives and a series of actions to be undertaken with partners. The plan has been prepared for The Water of Leith Action Group with funding
from most participating partners and produced by Helen Brown, Trust Manager at the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.
The Plan is now halfway through see the Progress Report from October 2025.
Five Years of Progress: Water of Leith Management Plan 2025 Update
Updated partner action plan from 2025 onwards available on request.
Combined Sewer Overflow Upgrading by Scottish Water
Scottish Water continues to make strong progress on the Water of Leith Improvement Programme, which aims to reduce pollution and enhance water quality across Edinburgh. https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/What-We-Do/Urban-Waters-Routemap
A major strategic project is being developed to address combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from Roseburn to Seafield, fifteen sites will be addressed in the coming years.
CURRENT PROGRAMME: At Balgreen, work is focused on tackling long-standing issues where an unscreened CSO had previously allowed debris to enter the river during heavy rainfall. Located beside Pansy Walk and close to Balgreen Primary School, the site required a carefully designed solution to protect both the environment and public amenity.
Phase 1 of the project has already been completed, including a gas main diversion and construction of new outfall pipework. Phase 2 will begin in September 2025 and will deliver a new screened CSO chamber, remove the old outfall, and provide safe access for future maintenance. This work will help prevent debris reaching the river and improve conditions for local wildlife and the community.
Further progress is being made across other key sites at Murrayfield, Gorgie, Stockbridge, and Cramond, supported by enhanced monitoring and close collaboration between Scottish Water, SEPA, the City of Edinburgh Council, and the Water of Leith Trust.
Following major flooding in April 2000, the City of Edinburgh’s flood prevention scheme has now been implemented. Harlaw, Threipmuir and Harperrig reservoirs were purchased by the city and modified to increase storage capacity from excess rainfall. Walls and other flood defense measures have been constructed between Murrayfield and Bonnington. A re-modelling exercise has been carried out to include the impact of climate change on the river system and the efficacy of the flood prevention scheme. For more information on flooding in the city, visit https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/flooding
Invasive non native species (INNS)
INNS are present at several locations along the river. Spraying Giant Hogweed with glyphosate has been carried out since 2000 but recent projects have begun to study the efficacy of alternative methods (read more about this here). The 2025 Progress report can be viewed here. Himalayan Balsam is reducing thanks to volunteer efforts and tasks are conducted annually to hand pull new growth. Japanese Knotweed populations are localised and managed by the WOLCT through targeted stem injection. Other plants, including few flowered leek, yellow archangel, snowberry and rhododendron also cause concern. Mink have been recorded on the river although their impact on other species remains unknown. Currently, there have been no records of any invasive crayfish species.
Climate Change and Adaption
Changes in seasonal rainfall and extreme weather events may cause the river to flash flood more frequently in winter and experience drought conditions in summer, potentially impacting on wildlife habitats, affecting properties near the river and the ability of the river to cope with point source and diffuse pollution incidents. This potentially impacts on wildlife habitats, neighbouring properties and the river’s ability to cope with pollution incidents. We continue to work with partners towards enhancing the soils, vegetation, floodplains and wetland habitats to reduce the risk of flooding. We are also looking into ways to support the river’s wildlife as they adapt to climate change and the pressures from increased public use of the Water of Leith walkway.
Micro Hydro Generation
Two micro-hydro schemes have been installed along the Water of Leith: Harlaw Hydro and Saughton Park Archimedes screw. A number of other sites also have the potential to generate renewable energy and provide an interesting link to the river’s industrial past. However, the impact on biodiversity and fish populations, and measures to “re-naturalise” the river are important considerations for the Trust.
