Update 22 February 2026 – SEPA update regarding ongoing oil pollution incident within the River Dochart, near Killin and associated watercourses
Date published: 22 February 2026
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continue to investigate the ongoing oil pollution incident within the River Dochart, near Killin and associated watercourses.
SEPA's National Duty Manager, Wendy Thornton, said:
“Investigations are continuing into the ongoing oil pollution incident within the River Dochart, near Killin.
“Since the source of the pollution was identified on Friday 20th February, SEPA officers have been in attendance assessing impacts, and the progress of the specialist remediation contractor’s clean-up and containment works as well as determining whether any further measures are required to reduce the environmental impact of this spill.
“This morning (Sunday 22nd February), our officers have carried out a visual inspection of the Loch Tay and River Tay and the situation has improved. The east end of Loch Tay was clear, and no impacts were evident in the River Tay from Kenmore to Aberfeldy.
“Containment, currently in the form of booms and absorbent materials, has been put in place upstream close to the source of the spill. However, some oil may bypass the containment and there is still some oil present in upstream watercourses. We expect pockets of oil may continue to get washed downstream for some time.
“SEPA will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with local authorities and Scottish Water to help manage any impacts. Any impacts are most likely to be seen in the small watercourses next to the site of the spill.”
Partner communications
Scottish Water: Repairs are underway due to a water quality issue in Killin
Saturday 21 February
A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said:
“SEPA are continuing to investigate the ongoing oil pollution incident within the River Dochart, near Killin.
“Officers were on site on Friday 20th February and identified the source of the pollution. A specialist clean-up contractor has been working at the site and is carrying out works to reduce the environmental impact of this spill.
“Over the weekend, SEPA officers will continue attending the site to assess progress with the clean-up and to determine any other actions required to minimise the release of oil into the River Dochart.
“Our officers have detected an intermittent oil sheen present in the River Tay at Kenmore which is downstream from the main source of the pollution which we appreciate will be of great concern to businesses and communities in the area. SEPA are closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities and Scottish Water to help manage any impacts.
“We would like to thank those who reported the incident to SEPA and encourage anyone who witnesses a pollution incident to contact us immediately on 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting an online report with as much information as possible.”
Friday 20 February
A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said:
“SEPA received several reports of oil within the River Dochart, near Killin, on Thursday evening and overnight.
“Officers are on site this morning (Friday 20th February) to identify the source and investigations are ongoing.
“We would like to thank those who reported the incident to SEPA and encourage anyone who witnesses a pollution incident to contact us immediately on 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting an online report with as much information as possible.”