SEPA is investigating an incident involving a slurry spillage into the Tarty burn, a tributary of the River Ythan. SEPA believes the incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday 23 April, following the structural failure of a slurry holding tank at a farm near Udny Station.

SEPA's initial estimate is that the spillage could be as large as several million litres, however investigations are continuing.

Three environment protection officers, two ecologists, and other senior staff attended the incident. SEPA ecologists are continuing their survey of the river today.

Mike Duckett, Fraserburgh Team Leader, said: "We are very concerned about the effect of this incident on the burn, the wildlife it supports, and those who use the burn. We expect the impact to be very significant, particularly because of the warmer weather and low rain fall.

"We are taking this incident very seriously and our officers, working with the farmer involved, have already taken steps to help reduce the impact of the spill. We have notified a number of other agencies involved with the river."

The farmer set up a dam to help stop the flow of slurry and used vacuum tankers to prevent further slurry escaping.

ENDS