Scotland’s water map: understanding water sector links to support decision making for the Hydro Nation Agenda

This paper presents research which produced an overview of Scotland’s water sector in the form of a map which demonstrates the scope and scale of the sector and shows, in a manner that can be easily understood by a wide range of stakeholders, how the different parts of the sector link together. The map will support the Governments Hydro Nation vision and agenda and will guide the Hydro Nation Forum in the development of the framework that was established in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill 2012.The methodology applied to the development of the map including the collection of the supporting data is described and justified. The functions and purpose of the map also are described, which are to focus on the decision making processes that influence, manage and control Scotland’s water resources to enable their full and sustainable use.