Scottish Water has completed the construction of a fish pass on the Davidston Burn.

The work will now allow salmon stocks to move more freely within the catchment of the River Isla.

Located approximately 5km south of Keith, the Davidston Burn weir is a concrete structure that functions as a raw water intake. The site itself consists of a pumping station that transfers the raw water from the Davidston Burn to Herricks Water Treatment Works (WTW), where it is treated and then supplied to communities in Keith and the surrounding area.

Don MacLean, Project Manager, Scottish Water, said: "Although not a complete barrier the Davidston weir significantly restricts salmon and sea trout access to areas upstream of the weir. The Davidston Burn is seen as the most important stretch of river in the Upper Isla catchment.

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"The modifications to the burn and weir are relatively simple. A pre-barrage fish pass located downstream of the existing weir was proposed now raises the water level downstream of the weir through the formation of a series of pools which act as 'steps' allowing fish to reach the good habitat upstream of the weir.

"It was proposed to construct the pre-barrages in blockstone and to ensure the downstream pools have varying dimensions and depths to soften the structure and present a more 'natural' appearance while retaining structural integrity."

Richie Miller, Senior Biologist from the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust added: "We are absolutely delighted to have the new fish pass completed which will complement other fish passage works already completed downstream last year. Our sincere thanks go to Scottish Water for funding the project."

Morrison Construction were the contractors appointed to the project following a tendering procedure. Alongside Scottish Water, they worked with SEPA and the River Deveron District Salmon Fishery Board to ensure the pass was fit for purpose.

A budget of £187,000 was set aside for the scheme, but it is thought final costs will be significantly lower once the project is formally closed off.

(JP/IT)