Balfour Beatty has been awarded a substantial £27M contract by Perth and Kinross Council to construct a vital flood protection scheme in Comrie, Scotland.
- The project aims to safeguard 189 properties from severe flooding, a recurring issue in the historic village.
- Balfour Beatty’s initiative includes constructing flood defences along the Water of Ruchill, River Earn, and River Lednock.
- The design, completed in Spring 2023, promises robust measures with a focus on sustainability and economic return.
- The scheme is funded through a significant collaboration between the Scottish Government and Perth and Kinross Council.
Balfour Beatty’s newly acquired £27M contract from Perth and Kinross Council targets the pressing issue of flood risks in Comrie. The village has historically faced devastating floods from the Water of Ruchill, River Earn, and River Lednock, with significant events recorded in 1993, 1997, 2006, and 2012. The urgency of this project is underscored by these past incidents.
The project focuses on creating advanced flood defences along the three rivers in Comrie. With 189 homes and businesses at risk, the scheme is designed to counter incidents with a 1 in 200 year flood event, incorporating measures like flood walls, embankments, and rootwad revetments to address uncertainties in flood estimates.
Past flood protection efforts in 2013 significantly reduced risks in the Dalginross area, but the River Earn and River Lednock’s risks remained. The current plan, completed in Spring 2023, builds on past efforts by integrating innovative solutions such as rootwad revetments. These consist of using tree root balls combined with rocks to fortify riverbanks efficiently.
The financial backing for this ambitious venture is a collaborative effort. The Scottish Government shoulders 80% of the costs, while Perth and Kinross Council covers the remaining 20%. Endorsement came under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, with planning being sanctioned by Scottish Ministers in December 2021.
Construction is set to begin by late summer 2024, with completion aimed for Autumn 2026. The project is expected to create approximately 100 jobs, reflecting a noteworthy economic commitment. Moreover, the scheme prioritises environmental considerations by opting for passive designs and utilising local materials.
Community involvement is a key component of the project, with ongoing efforts to inform and engage residents through newsletters and sessions. Further community engagement activities are anticipated as major construction approaches.
The Comrie flood protection initiative stands as a testament to effective collaboration and forward-thinking in addressing climate challenges.
