The environmental context for water quality variation in Scotland

The variation in water quality experienced in Scotland reflects differences in the physical environment and land management. These differences occur b oth as a result of natural variability. societal development and pollutant inputs. A large proportion of the land area of Scotland is upland in nature which is extensively managed. Whereas in the lowlands, intensive land mana gement predominates. In addition, water quality in the lowland areas in the vicinity of Glasgow and Edinburgh is influenced through the legacy of Vict orian and latter day industrial and urban development. A general introducti on to the spatial distribution of these facets of Scotland and their relati on to water quality is presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Ail rights reserved.