SCOTLAND’S lochs, rivers and coastal waters are in a "shocking state", with many failing to support the typical plants, fish insects and birds found in healthy water systems, according to a damning new study.

Official reports sent by the Westminster government to the European Commission show that, despite years of investment and work by the water industry, both Scotland’s and the UK’s waters remain in a wretched condition - with potentially disastrous consequences for wildlife.

Prepared by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the report into the water environment shows that 47 per cent of rivers and 62 per cent of lochs in Scotland are suffering from damaging human activity and are at risk of failing to achieve "good status" under the EU Water Framework Directive.

From: The Scotsman