A “day of celebration” is being held in Moray today as the region’s £180million programme of anti-flood works finally draw to a close.
The scheme – the largest in Scotland – has been 15 years in planning and implementation.
It was begun in response to the devastating floods that affected thousands of properties and caused tens of millions of pounds worth of damage during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Moray Council leader Allan Wright said: “The sheer misery caused to people and businesses during this time was immense let alone the huge financial costs. As a result, we had to find robust long-term solutions which would ensure that any future flood events would be managed.
“We have delivered five flood alleviation schemes in four towns – Lhanbryde, Rothes, Forres and Elgin – which have cost us around £180milion. The success of the programme has already demonstrated that this was a great investment for the council”.
The celebratory event is being held at the Mansion House hotel in Elgin – the scene of flooding in the past.
Among the guests will be Erik Oostwegel, the chief executive of Anglo-Dutch firm Royal Haskoning, the consultants engaged for the programme, who is travelling from the Netherlands to attend the event.
The flood works are due to be finished by next spring.