Update 24 February 2026 – SEPA update regarding ongoing oil pollution incident within the River Dochart, near Killin and associated watercourses
Date published: 24 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, David Ogilvie, said:
“SEPA officers remain in attendance on site to further assess the impacts of the pollution incident and monitor the containment and clean-up works being undertaken.
“Water samples that were taken on Monday are now in the process of being analysed. Results to date, combined with survey work of the impacted land, which was today undertaken by SEPA mapping specialists, will be used to inform our monitoring strategy for the affected areas moving forward.
“Visual inspections today also indicate that the situation is continuing to stabilise and containment methods at the source of the pollution incident are proving effective. The east end of Loch Tay remains clear and no impacts were evident in the River Tay.
“Our investigations into the cause of the pollution are still ongoing and we are engaging with all relevant partners including Police Scotland and Stirling Council as this progresses.”
Monday 23rd February
SEPA's National Duty Manager, David Ogilvie, 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 on site assessing impacts, and the progress of the specialist remediation contractor’s clean-up and containment works. They have been supported by a number of specialist staff providing advice on various aspects of the response.
“Water sampling was carried out this morning (Monday 23rd February) and will be followed up with further sampling throughout the week, when any impacts are more likely to have become apparent, to help determine the full impacts of the pollution.
“A visual inspection of the Loch Tay and River Tay today has shown that the situation has begun to stabilise. The east end of Loch Tay has remained clear since midday on Saturday, and no impacts were evident in the River Tay from Kenmore to Aberfeldy.
“Containment, currently in the form of booms and absorbent materials, was arranged by the site operator and put in place upstream close to the source of the spill. We are continuing to assess the progress of this and the ongoing work to clean-up diesel from the surrounding area.
“However, as there is still some oil present in upstream watercourses, rising river levels mean that it is possible some oil may bypass the containment measures. We expect pockets of oil may continue to get washed downstream for some time and we have been in contact with abstractors to keep them informed.
“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: Killin water supply – all restrictions lifted
Sunday 22nd February
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.”
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.”