Statement from the River Tweed Commission on the Recent Wastewater Incident 

The River Tweed Commission (RTC) is deeply concerned and dismayed by the recent discharge of untreated sewage at St Boswells into the River Tweed. This incident represents a serious failure to protect one of Scotland’s most iconic rivers and the diverse ecosystems and communities it supports.

While the River Tweed Commission holds certain statutory responsibilities in relation to salmon and freshwater fisheries, the wider environmental regulatory powers, including those concerning pollution and wastewater management, lie with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water. We share the growing frustration of the public that these powers do not always appear to be exercised with the urgency or transparency the situation demands.

The RTC has raised the issue with SEPA, and we urge them to investigate this incident fully, hold those responsible to account, and take meaningful steps to ensure such failures are not repeated. In the meantime, we call on all river users and members of the public to remain vigilant. If you witness a pollution event or sewage breach, please report it directly to SEPA, ask for an incident number, and follow up to ensure appropriate action has been taken.

If the problem persists or a timely response is not provided, we strongly encourage you to raise the issue with your local Scottish Borders Council representatives and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Collective pressure is essential if we are to protect the health of the River Tweed and uphold the environmental standards the river, its wildlife, and its communities deserve.

The River Tweed Commission will continue to advocate for stronger protections for our river and greater accountability from those entrusted with safeguarding its future.

River Tweed Commission

Drygrange Steading

Melrose

Roxburghshire

TD6 9DJ

13/06/202