As a result of investigations by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), landowner Thomas Steuart Fothringham and contractor McIntosh & Robertson, run by John McIntosh, were found guilty of carrying out engineering works by building grey bank protection on the south bank of the River Tay without a license.

The pair pled guilty at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday (January 19), with Fothringham receiving a £9,000 fine, while McIntosh was fined £900.

According to SEPA, the engineering activities could have caused “huge adverse impacts on the water environment” as a result of silt into the river.

SEPA investigating officer Ian Thomas, said: “I have never witnessed unauthorised gravel extraction or grey bank protection over such a large area before, let alone on the same site.

“By failing to apply for the required licence Mr Fothringham and Mr McIntosh did not allow SEPA to place necessary conditions to protect the environment and natural heritage interests.”

Carys Matthews

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