Investing in Gladhouse Reservoir

Project Overview

Gladhouse Reservoir supplies drinking water to 150,000 customers in Midlothian and parts of Edinburgh. To keep it running smoothly, we need to carry out maintenance and upgrades.

Over the next two years, Scottish Water will be working on several improvement projects to keep the site safe and reliable.

Most of the construction will take place on the north shore, where we’ll be carrying out major refurbishment work at the Spillway.

The works are being undertaken by Scottish Water’s delivery partner, George Leslie Ltd.

At A Glance

Provides drinking water to 150,000 customers
Supplies Midlothian and parts of Edinburgh
Multi-million-pound investment
Expected completion 2027

Gladhouse Reservoir satellite map graphic

Gladhouse Reservoir Investment Project

Satellite view of the planned work at Gladhouse Reservoir, Midlothian

Update on work at Gladhouse Reservoir - March 2025

We’ve started preparing the site for essential upgrades at Gladhouse Reservoir. The first steps include setting up the site, installing a temporary valve system, and providing a fixed power supply. This new power source will allow key equipment to run without relying on generators and will improve how we manage water flow.

To help control water levels more effectively during storms and our work, we’re installing automated valves to the existing network. These will help protect the dam, spillway, and road bridge from potential damage.

What To Expect?

The main refurbishment work on the spillway is expected to start this year and last approximately two years, though progress will depend on final design details and weather conditions.

The spillway is a controlled overflow channel that directs excess water from a reservoir to prevent flooding and protect the dam structure, especially during heavy rainfall or storms. Pictured below is the spillway at Gladhouse reservoir where work will be carried out.

The refurbishment work will include strengthening joints, improving flood defences, and installing temporary valves to help control water levels. To upgrade the spillway channel, we’ll need to remove the road bridge. Unfortunately, it won’t be replaced until we near the end of the project, but when it is, it will be raised to better withstand future flooding.

You may notice more construction traffic in the area. We’ve upgraded Gladhouse Mains Road to handle most of this traffic, but some vehicles will still need to use the public road along the dam. We’ll do our best to keep this to a minimum.

Scenic view of a reservoir spillway with lush greenery on either side and trees in the background under a clear sky.

View of a reservoir spillway with a metal railing in the foreground and lush greenery on the sides, under a clear blue sky.

Outdoor scene featuring a warning sign from Scottish Water on a fence in front of a lush, natural area with a stone-lined reservoir spillway.

A sunny view of a rusty bridge with a metal railing over a reservoir spillway, surrounded by shrubs and foliage, leading to a paved road extending into the distance.

Rustic metal bridge spanning over a dry stone-lined spillway under a clear sky, surrounded by greenery and fields.

A rural scene with a road marked by a "Weak Bridge" sign with a weight limit of 3T, leading over a small bridge next to a wet field and bordered by trees and shrubs under a clear sky.

Spillway and bridge at Gladhouse reservoir, Midlothian

Both the reservoir's spillway and road bridge will receive investment and upgrade, beginning in 2025

Community Engagement

We are committed to keeping residents and visitors informed and involved throughout the course of the project. As part of this effort, we are engaging with the closest neighbours to the reservoir on an ongoing basis to ensure they are aware of the upcoming works.

In addition, we will be hosting a drop-in event for the community to share detailed plans regarding the spillway work and the removal of the road bridge. This event will be held prior to the commencement of bridge removal, giving us an opportunity to fully engage with and address any concerns from the local community.

We encourage all residents to attend and provide feedback as we aim to make this project as smooth and transparent as possible. Event details and invites will be shared nearer the time.

Visiting Gladhouse

There will be so much happening at Gladhouse when our major investment project gets under way. However, you'll still be able to visit the reservoir while our work takes place.

As always, we'll do all we can to keep any disruption for visitors and local residents to a minimum. See our Visiting Gladhouse Reservoir webpage if you are planning a visit.

Scenic view of a calm lake with surrounding green hills under a clear blue sky, foreground featuring lush foliage.

A view of Gladhouse Reservoir with bright orange buoys

Further Information

We will continue to update this page with the latest information. Can't find what you're looking for? Check out our helpful FAQs at the bottom of the page.

Need to get in touch?

You can email us at gladhousereservoir@scottishwater.co.uk and watercomms@scottishwater.co.uk. You can also follow us on social media to keep up-to-date on our activities: