Background Lilly Loch Reservoir is a controlled reservoir under the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011. It feeds the Forth & Clyde Canal, providing the water required to ensure we remain compliant with legislation requiring that our waterways are navigable, structurally sound, and safe.  The works, begun in 2024 and concluded in May this year, were statutory safety works. The main requirement was to increase the existing drawdown capacity of the pipework as it was of insufficient size to meet current drawdown rates required in the event of an emergency. These works were classed as Measures in the Interests of Safety (MIOS) and were deemed essential to safeguarding the integrity of the reservoir and managing the risk of flooding to the locality and downstream communities.  Works commenced in early 2024 and a deadline of 31st January 2025 was agreed with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for the fulfilment of the construction phase of the project. Our project team, working with contractor Mackenzie Construction Ltd, achieved this deadline, installing the new emergency drawdown siphon and reinstating the dam structure. The new emergency siphon was then successfully commissioned, once the reservoir’s water levels were fully restored after sufficient rainfall, on 14 May 2025. Current status of the reservoir While we did need to restrict access to the site during the construction phase of the works, we remain committed to ensuring that local people and the reservoir fishing club enjoy improved access to the space. Access to the reservoir and neighbouring pathways are now restored for people to enjoy a variety of activities.   |
