A recent report by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe), “Drouthy Days: Is Scotland Prepared for Drought?”, has rightly rattled that assumption.  It highlights growing concerns about water scarcity and the urgent need to plan for resilience, even in traditionally “wet” regions.

At Igne, we’ve known this reality for years.  As the company behind Raeburn Water Wells - a trusted name in Scotland for decades - we’ve worked with farmers, landowners, distilleries, and estates from Dumfries to Inverness, helping them protect their water supplies. 

Today, as Igne, we continue that legacy with even greater capability, national reach, and cutting-edge technology.

But what’s changed - and why now?

The New Reality: Water Stress in Scotland

Climate patterns are shifting.  Seasonal rainfall is becoming more erratic.  And although Scotland receives more annual rainfall than many parts of the UK, this does not mean that water is always available where and when it’s needed.  What’s more, water use in Scotland is higher than in other parts of the UK and Europe.

Some areas are already under pressure.  Summer 2023 saw Scotland’s first-ever water scarcity warnings issued before spring had even ended.  Farmers were forced to adapt quickly, often at great cost.

And the SPICe report makes it clear: these “drouthy days” are set to become more frequent.

What many don’t realise is that water resilience is not just about access for the agricultural community.  It’s about flow rate, timing, and storage - especially for high-demand periods like livestock watering, crop irrigation, or processing washdowns.

Our Solution: Borehole Supply + Smart Storage

Igne offers a comprehensive, resilient solution: private groundwater supply via a borehole, combined with above-ground storage and booster systems that deliver high flow rates when you need them most.
Here’s how it works:

• We drill a borehole based on a full Hydrogeological Assessment, identifying the best location, depth and potential yield.
• Water is pumped into large-capacity storage tanks - usually between 100,000L and 200,000L, depending on demand.
• These tanks fill steadily throughout the day, drawing at a sustainable rate from the borehole.
• When peak demand hits - such as during morning milking or poultry shed disinfection - booster pumps deliver high volumes instantly.
• It’s smart, sustainable, and futureproof.

Recent examples of our solutions include a 200,000-litre tank install for a poultry farm, enabling timed delivery for cleaning cycles, and a dual-pump system for a 1,000-head dairy herd, which allows instant access to 12 cubic metres an hour during triple-daily milking and washdowns.

We also integrate filtration and bacteria control into every design to ensure water quality, especially for livestock and processing facilities. 

The Bottom Line

Water resilience isn’t just a planning concern for the south of England – it’s now a critical operational issue for Scotland too.

For landowners, farmers, and rural businesses, self-sufficiency is no longer a luxury.  It’s a lifeline.

If you’re concerned about rising water costs, seasonal shortages, or supply pressure from local infrastructure, now is the time to take action.

Let us help you plan ahead – with private supply, storage, and support you can rely on.

Book a Hydrogeological Assessment Today

The first step to long-term resilience is a Hydrogeological Assessment (HGA).  This feasibility study evaluates your land, maps aquifers, and gives clear guidance on what your borehole system would involve.

To arrange your HGA, or for any questions you have, contact us.