Scottish Water welcomes new reservoir rangers as service enters fourth year

Scottish Water is welcoming a new intake of reservoir rangers as the service returns for its fourth year, helping visitors enjoy some of Scotland’s most popular reservoir sites safely and responsibly throughout the summer months.

The organisation manages around 300 reservoirs across Scotland, with rangers deployed at some of the busiest and most popular visitor locations.

First launched as a pilot in 2022, the ranger service has become an established part of Scottish Water’s approach to supporting visitors, protecting the natural environment and working alongside local communities and partner organisations.

Reservoirs across Scotland continue to attract growing numbers of visitors, particularly during weekends and periods of good weather.

While the vast majority of people enjoy these spaces responsibly, Scottish Water and its partners continue to see challenges including littering, fires and anti-social behaviour at some sites.

Rangers provide a friendly, approachable presence for visitors, offering advice, carrying out patrols, assisting with site upkeep and helping ensure everyone can enjoy these outdoor spaces safely.

Water safety is also a key focus for the ranger team. Alongside supporting visitors at reservoir sites, rangers regularly work with local schools and community groups to promote water safety and help people understand the hidden dangers reservoirs can present.

“Our reservoirs are working assets that provide high-quality drinking water, but they are also fantastic places for people to enjoy the outdoors. We want everyone to have a positive experience, and that depends on visitors respecting the environment, following safety advice and behaving responsibly.”

Donna Mills
Scottish Water Land Strategy Team Manager

The team this year includes new rangers Edward Wood and Grace McAleer, who will be based at reservoirs in the west of Scotland.

They join existing team members including Helen Rountree, who works in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland covering sites around the Stirling area, and Josh Mackin, who has been supporting visitors at Gladhouse Reservoir in Midlothian for the past two years.

A further ranger will shortly join the team at Gladhouse Reservoir to support the busy summer period.

Donna Mills, Scottish Water’s Land Strategy Team Manager, said:

"As we enter the third year of our ranger service, it's clear the difference a visible presence can make in supporting responsible access and improving the visitor experience.

"We're delighted to welcome Ed and Grace to the team and look forward to another busy summer supporting visitors across our reservoir sites.

"Our reservoirs are working assets that provide high-quality drinking water, but they are also fantastic places for people to enjoy the outdoors. We want everyone to have a positive experience, and that depends on visitors respecting the environment, following safety advice and behaving responsibly."

Visitors are being strongly reminded of the importance of staying safe around water. Reservoirs can present hidden dangers, and people are encouraged to familiarise themselves with safety advice before visiting.

The public is also being invited to share feedback through Scottish Water’s reservoir visitor survey, helping shape future improvements to facilities and the visitor experience. You can complete this survey at the link below.