SEPA and Comhairle monitoring Willowglen

The Comhairle and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have confirmed they are investigating the source of a suspected oil or fuel leak into the Willowglen River in Lewis.

Folowing a call from a concerned member of the public on Monday, January 25, SEPA attended and assessed the river in the Lews Castle Grounds which apparently is showcasing an oil sheen and noticeable fuel aroma.

A spokesperson from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “SEPA received a call from a member of the public on Monday 25 January, reporting the presence of an oil sheen in the Glen River, Stornoway.

“We have attended the site to investigate. SEPA officers are currently carrying out an investigation into this.

“We would like to remind the public that they can report any potential pollution events to SEPA by calling our Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”

The Western Isles Council have also confirmed they too are monitoring the situation but no more information was available at press time.

Willowglen River runs through the Lews Castle Grounds from Marybank, past the waterwheel before merging with the open water at Stornoway Harbour.