The plans laid out by SEPA intend to increase the percentage of Scotland’s rivers, lochs, reservoirs, canals, estuaries, coasts and groundwater which are already in good or better condition from 63% to 97% by 2027.

Campbell Gemmell, SEPA chief executive said: “SEPA and its predecessor organisations have driven major improvements in Scotland’s water quality over the past few decades. The fact that Scotland’s water is already amongst the best in Europe is something to be celebrated, as is the number of water bodies already of good or better status.”

The plans were developed by a wide range of stakeholders including land managers, voluntary organisations and business representatives.

Gemmell said: “The resulting plans, which we submitted to the Minister today, contain ambitious but realistic targets that we must strive to meet to ensure we can all continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and sustainable water environment.”