The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dam releases branded ‘totally unacceptable’
The UK Canyon Guides Association backed the claims that the release of water above the Bruar Falls posed a danger to people.
“As an organisation the UK Canyon Guides represents both individuals and commercial operators – we feel the situation with Bruar and the dam releases is totally unacceptable in this day in age,” said a spokesman.
“Canyoning has been going on for the last 15 or more years, and on numerous occasions throughout this time we have tried to source more information on the dam from SSE.
“Only last year were we made aware of a meeting that took place between John Mason-Strang of Nae Limits and the SSE.
“In Europe it is commonplace for individuals to be able to phone the companies that operate the dams above canyons to find out when releases happen, and more than often this information is given free of charge as these companies realise that people use these venues and last thing they want is people being seriously injured or killed by sudden water level rises – this is one of the biggest dangers that face canyoners.
“With the dam releasing it does pose a risk to all those that are unaware of the dam located up stream.”
It is inconceivable that a company could open a dam gate and release a dangerous flood of water into a popular canyoning site without warning, but that is apparently what happened at a hydro scheme above the Bruar Falls.
The concerned adventure tour operator who raised the alarm was so horrified he called the police, believing people may well have been swept away and killed.
Fortunately nobody was hurt this time.It could indeed have been a terrible disaster, with what the tour operator described as a ‘tsunami’ sweeping people away.
But we know that the area has been used by canyoners for many years, and we also know the sport is getting increasingly popular.
Lucky as it is that nobody was harmed this time, it is a lesson to be learned.
Firstly, does the energy company not have a duty of care to alert people who may be in the water’s path? And why should canyoners be complaining about a lack of information available to them?
Likewise, canyoners themselves have a responsibility to ensure their activities are safe, and to inform themselves of any release activities planned from the dam.
The positive outlook is to take this as an opportunity for a process to be formalised. If it is common practice in Europe for companies to give out information of planned water releases to the public, it can be done in Scotland.
Summer is coming and it’s time to enjoy the outdoors. Safely.