Drought

Since mid-May, the Western Isles have been suffering from an increasing shortage of water. Over those two months, only 2 inches of rain have fallen in the island; between May 19th and June 16th, only 2.4 mm (1/10th inch) fell. The results have, in parts, been devastating. Last month, a series of wildfires swept the southern section of the Castle Grounds, along the Creed River and out to the road to Harris, which has had to be closed one day as a result.

Water shortages are now prompting Scottish Water to call for people to reduce their water consumption, by putting devices in their toilet cisterns for instance. This all contrasts sharply with the floods from Edinburgh southward, caused by up to 4 inches of rain falling in a single day.

The forecast is for the dry conditions, with only a little rain from time to time, to continue.

The aftermath of the Castle Grounds fires, 16 June

Plume of smoke from Castle Grounds fire, 14 June