Aberdeenshire farmers have been given a water warning as parts of the country reach 'significant scarcity' levels.
The River Ythan catchment in Aberdeenshire is expected to reach 'significant water scarcity' level in the coming days, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
The body said yesterday that the River Tyne in East Lothian was now "critically low". It joins the River Tweed in the Borders which has already seen water extraction suspended.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Sepa's head of water and planning, said that despite some recent rainfall it had not made up for "long-term deficits" on the rivers involved.
"With more prolonged dry weather forecast, we will continue to monitor conditions and take appropriate action until the risk of water scarcity has reduced," he said.
"Suspensions are part of Scotland's national water scarcity plan, which is designed to ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resource for human and economic activity during prolonged dry periods.
"They are a last resort and Sepa only takes such action when the evidence tells us it can no longer be avoided."
He said it was vital that businesses reliant on local water supplies were prepared for these conditions as climate change meant scarcity was becoming a more regular occurrence.
"We are already seeing that this summer and we are committed to working with those affected now and in the future to help them build resilience," he said.
NFU Scotland has warned that the suspension of licences will be "damaging" to vegetable growers in the area.