The removal of an historical weir that is impeding the access and movement of wild fish to the headwaters of the Burn of King Edward, Aberdeenshire, to achieve improvements in fish passage, restore natural fluvial processes, and increase habitat connectivity.
A historic weir structure on the Burn of King Edward, that once used to feed a nearby Corn Mill, is causing flow impoundment, sediment discontinuity and an obstruction to fish passage through this lower section of the burn. In-channel habitat downstream and in the section of burn immediately upstream of the weir, have been negatively impacted by the impoundment.
The Burn of King Edward rises in the eastern part of the catchment as the Burn of Fishrie, in the vicinity of Netherbrae. The watercourse is referred to as the Burn of King Edward downstream of Fishrie and is joined by the Burn of Pitgair, Burn of Fortrie and Craigston Burn further downstream. The confluence of the burn with the River Deveron is at OS NGR NJ 69367 58245, downstream of Mill of Eden.
The catchment of the watercourse to the location of the weir has an area of approximately 80 km2 and is predominantly rural, dominated by agricultural land use. The topography of the catchment is characterised by rolling hills with evidence of extensive drainage modification to support agriculture. The weir is located ~650 m upstream of the confluence of the Burn of King Edward with the River Deveron, just upstream of the Mill of Eden, itself 6km south of Banff.
| Project status | Completed |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: demolition |
| Country | Scotland |
| River | Burn of King Edward / River Deveron |
| Km to be opened | 11.2 km |
| Focal species | Wild Atlantic Salmon, Trout, Eel, Lamprey |
| Removal date | Spring - Summer 2025 |
| Organisation | The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust |
| Website | The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust |
The project builds on a previous pre-demolition grant from the Programme that enabled preparatory surveys, design and licensing to be completed.
Previous ecological site assessments, as part of a sub-catchment scoping study, found that the weir in question was deteriorating and causing channel adjustments on both banks and was likely to hinder the movement of lamprey, salmonids, and trout, potentially increasing their risk of predation or disease. Bank erosion and lack of riparian tree cover, particularly upstream near Holm, were noted, along with suitable spawning areas and high silt loads. The study recommended prioritising the weir’s removal, addressing upstream bank erosion, and implementing riparian tree planting and invasive species removal.
The King Edward Weir Removal project aims to restore long-term ecological health by reconnecting over 11 km of upstream habitat, allowing key aquatic species such as wild salmon, trout, eel and lamprey to access spawning grounds, enhancing nutrient cycling and trophic connectivity, promoting biological diversity and restoring more natural ecological and morphological processes to the river. By restoring natural fluvial processes, and improving sediment continuity and flow diversity, the project seeks to create a self-sustaining river system that supports a healthier array of species.
The design philosophy underpinning the development of the restoration measures in this section of the Burn of King Edward was to restore the natural fluvial process, as much as is practical, within the constraints imposed by the site. These processes are key to improving the physical condition of the burn, providing greater sediment continuity, encouraging more natural flow heterogeneity within the channel and, in turn, generating increased ecological diversity.
Additionally, the project supports the local economy by enhancing fishing tourism and subsequent rural jobs, while also improving outdoor recreation opportunities, contributing to both physical and mental well-being. Overall, the project delivers ecological, economic, and social benefits.
The King Edward Weir removal, the largest of its kind in the Deveron catchment, marks a significant milestone in catchment-scale restoration. The project has reconnected over 11 km of upstream habitat for migratory fish, particularly Atlantic salmon and sea trout. Key achievements to date include the completion of preparatory works, including new site access; the full removal of the weir and regrading of both banks; a community engagement visit to showcase project progress; and the reinstatement, demobilisation, and handover of the site to the landowner. Full ecological and hydrological benefits are expected to emerge following completion, with ongoing monitoring and reporting forming an integral part of Project Deveron.
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