£15m allocated to help communities improve flooding resilience
Montrose could benefit from a new £15 million fund to to improve the resilience of communities across Scotland most at risk from flooding.
Funding will be provided to local groups, communities and local authorities to help them to tackle flooding issues and preparedness.
The cash will support sustainable drainage, including natural features such as green spaces and planting, to reduce flood risk and future proof existing flooding infrastructure.
Coastal communities will also benefit, with support available for innovative coastal resilience projects to replenish sand dunes and reduce flood risk in towns such as Montrose, which is experiencing continuing and aggressive coastal erosion.
The latest assessment of the situation shows that the rock groyne at the seafront is doing its intended job, with the build-up and retention of sand.
This is subject to monthly surveys by experts from Glasgow University who are monitoring changes in the dunes, rock groyne, access points and the Seafront Splash. Data is currently being assessed.
Additional support will be available for communities recovering from the impact of recent flooding, while Public Health Scotland will develop a new interactive tool combining flood risk data with population and demographic data to help identify communities and groups which are most at risk in the future.
A new Flood Advisory Service will support local authorities in delivering major flood protection schemes more efficiently, reducing delays and improving value for public money.
Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action said: “Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.
“This package delivers on our 100 days commitment to invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted where it is needed most.
“By working closely with communities, local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges of the future. This investment complements our wider Flood Resilience Strategy to help build a more resilient Scotland.”