Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 25 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is aware of reported local concerns about the build-up of gravel in the river Esk and its tributaries in Langholm.
The Scottish Government has not been made aware of concerns regarding the build-up of gravel in the River Esk or its tributaries in Langholm. Local Authorities are responsible for producing local flood risk management plans, and developing, delivering and maintaining flood protection actions.
While dredging can play a role in certain flood management and river management situations, it is not always effective in reducing water levels and can, in some cases, increase flood risk downstream. It also has the potential to cause significant environmental harm if carried out without the proper due diligence.
Where dredging is appropriate, it can be undertaken subject to certain regulatory controls. Further information is available on the SEPA website at Dredging | Beta | SEPA | Scottish Environment Protection Agency including specific advice for land managers Dredging –A land managers guide to the rules.