MORAY — A substantial stretch of the Knockando burn, a tributary feeding the River Spey, has been rendered ecologically devastated following a chemical spill believed to be caustic soda. The incident, occurring within the last few days, has resulted in the death of a significant number of fish, eels, and birds, affecting a two-kilometre section of the waterway.
Duncan Ferguson, director of the Spey Fishery Board, described the event as one of the most severe pollution incidents he has witnessed in his 36 years working on the river. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has confirmed it is investigating the matter.
The spill comes at a particularly sensitive time, coinciding with the peak period for fly fishing on the River Spey. Early reports suggest the salmon population has been particularly hard-hit, with some anticipating a recovery period of up to five years. There are also concerns for other wildlife, with one report mentioning a raptor possibly affected by consuming poisoned fish or contaminated water.
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This incident follows closely on the heels of another pollution event in a Spey tributary, which occurred just ten days prior. Last month, a separate incident involving white paint spilled into the Burn of Carron also led to fish deaths, prompting an investigation by Sepa. The chemical identified as potentially responsible for the current devastation, caustic soda, is commonly found in detergents and cleaning agents.
