Strategy to protect 10,000 homes from flooding

More than 10,000 families are to benefit from a 10-year strategy to protect homes in many of Scotland's most flood-prone communities.
A new strategy aims to protect thousands of homes and properties against flooding.A new strategy aims to protect thousands of homes and properties against flooding.
A new strategy aims to protect thousands of homes and properties against flooding.

The plan is the result of grant funding totalling £420 million and follows an agreement reached between the Scottish Government and COSLA.

The cash will be used to deliver 40 new flood protection projects and support local flood risk management plans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than 130 flood protection studies will be carried out to help find potential solutions for another 26,000 residential properties currently at risk.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who announced the strategy, said: “Earlier this year I saw first-hand the devastating effects of mother nature as storms battered our communities.

“Last December is on record as the wettest and saw levels at rivers across Scotland overflow. When I visited Newton Stewart on New Year’s Eve I met local butchers Kenny and Yolanda Owen at John D Owen & Son on what would have been their busiest day.

“Tragically all their stock was knee deep in water which not only has a massive impact on the business but also on the wider community who were relying on them. As I walked down the high street what struck me was the resilience of this small community as they supported each other.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Seven months on and the community have rallied round and businesses are getting back on their feet and returning to normal. However, the implications of the storm will be felt for a while yet and we need to work together to minimise any potential future disruption.

“This agreement will give local authorities the certainty they need to deliver the actions set out in their Local Flood Risk Management Plans to help protect individuals, business and communities from the danger of flooding.”

Councillor Stephen Hagan, COSLA spokesman for development, economy and sustainability, said protecting communities was at the heart of what local government does and was the reason why local government has committed substantial resources for flood protection.

He added: “Climate change, and the associated increase in flooding events, poses a significant national risk. This is why investment in flood protection schemes and associated infrastructure is critical to protecting vulnerable householders, businesses and communities, and why the strong working relationship between local and Scottish Government is so important.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Friends of the Earth Scotland said the announcement would be a welcome relief to thousands of people across Scotland who were witnessing first-hand the local weather changes brought about by global climate change.

Dr Richard Dixon, Friends of the Earth Scotland sirector, said: “ Flooding has a devastating impact on people, communities and businesses.

“Increasing damage from floods is the most obvious sign of the impact of climate change and the UK Committee on Climate Change warned only last week that governments need to do more.

“Unlike the UK Government, the Scottish Government has kept up consistent funding for flood schemes and today’s long-term commitment is very welcome.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, the scale of the flooding challenge is massive and increasing as more climate change brings higher seas, more storms and more extreme rainfall.

“Over the next decade this funding will protect 10,000 homes but the government’s own figures show that there are over 100,000 homes currently at risk of flooding.

“The pace of investment will need to increase significantly if people are to be properly protected from the misery of being flooded.”