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Highlands and islands parched while rest of UK swamped with rain

Residents of the traditionally rainy Western Isles and North West Highlands of Scotland are being asked to save water following a severe dry spell.

While many other parts of the UK have been deluged with record rainfall, farmers and crofters on the islands are reporting parched conditions. Streams have dried up and the grass is yellow, they said, depleting feedstocks.

Scottish Water is giving out Save-a-Flush devices and efficiency advice to customers in the area.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s customer service delivery director, said:

“As drier weather continues in the North West Highlands and West Highlands Scottish Water’s top priority is to continue monitoring water levels to ensure we can respond where necessary and ensure a water supply to customers is maintained.

“At present we are focusing on the Stornoway area by finding and fixing leaks while encouraging everyone living and working locally to take simple steps to use water wisely.”

The Met Office said the exceptional levels of rainfall in much of the country is partly explained by a change in the position of the jet stream, and could also be caused by climate change. This blog, with video, explains more.