A series of flooding roadshows will be held in Moray later this month as part of a drive to minimise the devastation caused by an incident long before it happens.
The workshops, which will tour the region, form part of a national initiative for local authorities to ditch reactive flood management efforts in favour of pre-planned strategies based on risk factor.
SEPA held an online consultation earlier this year, and has now used those responses for its flood management strategies expected to be approved by Scottish ministers.
Now councils are being asked to develop a delivery plan, which will show how the strategy will be implemented over the next five years.
The road shows, which will start in Aberlour next Tuesday, will give people the opportunity to air their views on how and when actions to reduce flood risk are carried out.
Councillor George Alexander, chairman of Moray Council’s flood alleviation sub-committee, encouraged the public to attend the road shows and provide feedback on the plans.
He said the night of June 30, 1997, was “etched on the memories of many people” who were flooded out after torrential rain.
That storm was the trigger for the council to tackle the flooding problem in Moray.
Since then five major flood schemes have been completed, which the council estimate have saved thousands of homes and businesses from further flooding.
The £86million Elgin flood alleviation scheme is the biggest of these and was completed in May.
Mr Alexander added: “The council’s flood risk management strategies and plans, along with its surface water management plans, are clear indicators of Moray Council’s commitment to the protection of people and property from inundation by floodwater.”
The road show will visit the following venues: Fleming Hall, Aberlour, September 29, 3.30pm-7pm; Portgordon Village Hall, September 30, 3.30pm-7pm; Elgin High Street, October 1, noon-4.30pm; Elgin Tesco car park, October 1, 5pm-7pm; Station Park, Lossiemouth, October 5, 3.30pm-7pm; Keith Tesco, October 6, 3.30pm-7pm; and Forres Tesco, October 8, 3.30pm-7pm.