Water shortages could become more serious and frequent due to climate change, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warned.

The environment watchdog says drier summers in Scotland could seriously affect water supplies. The warning comes after record breaking temperatures earlier in the week.

Scotland’s east coast is facing the worst consequences, with regular below average rainfall across several regions. Sepa has issued several water scarcity warnings across the country.

Most of the east coast is now classed by Sepa as being at “alert” or “moderate scarcity” level. The Don catchment has also been raised to moderate scarcity.