Public urged to debate on water utility

The Scottish Government is asking members of the public to comment on ways of giving the organisation "increased flexibility".

The consultation comes after plans to legislate on its future were withdrawn, with ministers suggesting that the proposed Scottish Water Bill should be opened up for public comment.

The consultation, called Building a Hydro Nation, runs until February, when ministers will consider the submissions before drawing up a new Bill.

Infrastructure minister Stewart Stevenson said: "Scottish Water, already a huge success story, has the potential to play a greater role in the development of a low carbon economy and grow from a successful utility to become a widely-based, dynamic, world-leading water organisation, while remaining within public ownership."