Work is well underway on Elgin’s long-awaited flood alleviation scheme, which will prevent any recurrence of the flooding that caused devastation across the region in 1997, 2002 and 2009.
The Elgin scheme will alleviate flooding by recreating the flood plain and constructing flood defences. Works will involve creating a sustainable flood corridor along the River Lossie, which will allow high flows of water to pass through the town using a combination of embankments, walls and lowered flood plains. The scheme joins on the back of successful flood schemes in Llhanbryde, Forres and Rothes.
Construction began onsite in April 2011 and has seen demolition work take place in the Grampian Road and Kingsmills areas, along with the diversion of services and utilities and the construction of retaining walls at Lesmurdie and Chanonry.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on the banks or the river at Pansport to mark the start of the project and was attended by Moray councillors, representatives of main contractors Morrison Construction and the council’s flood scheme consultants, Royal Haskoning.
Moray Council Convenor, George McIntyre, said:
“The people of Elgin, and particularly those most at risk of flooding from the river, have been extremely patient.
“Some have suffered damage to their homes and businesses three times in the space of 12 years. Despite this, they have remained resilient.
“Today represents an important milestone in the development of this scheme and we all look forward to work progressing well and to the completion of a project that will remove the ever-present threat of flooding for the people of Elgin.”
Councillor John Russel, chairman of the council’s flood alleviation subcommittee, said:
“We have confidence that we can deliver, on time and on budget, an effective flood alleviation scheme that will transform Elgin socially, economically and environmentally.
“It is important to keep in mind the human misery that flooding, and the fear of flooding, can cause. Every day that can be saved in delivering this scheme will be one less day of worry for many people.”
The Elgin flood alleviation scheme is scheduled for completion in May 2015.
