Herald Scotland: Public inquiry will hear of 'high risk' of water pollution from fracking

An internal report from Scotland's environment watchdog, warning of a "high risk" of water pollution from drilling for underground gas, has been seized on by objectors in the run-up to a major public inquiry opening this week.

The report, written by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), reveals that a flawed and potentially leaky gas borehole was planned at Cumbernauld close to exploratory water-wells dug by the makers of Irn-Bru, AG Barr, and the sausage skin manufacturer, Devro. There was also "poor borehole construction" at Canonbie, in Dumfriesshire.

Environmentalists and community groups say the food industry's reputation is under threat from the dash to exploit unconventional gas in Scotland. They are preparing to fight plans, at a public inquiry starting on Tuesday, for the UK's first commercial drilling for coalbed methane in Falkirk and Stirling.  MORE