New river defences saved families and firms millions

FLOOD protection schemes in Moray had already proved their worth, even before Storm Frank arrived, saving households and firms millions of pounds.

Elgin was under a flood alert yesterday from the River Lossie and neighbouring Forres, 12 miles away, was on a more severe alert from the River Findhorn – both rivers swollen by Storm Frank.

But residents and businesses were safe thanks to the flood alleviation schemes, financed by Moray Council and the Scottish Government, which prevented devastation last year when Hurricane Bertha blew in during August. The schemes, although unfinished at the time, stopped widespread damage.

Analysis suggested destruction as severe as that of 1997, 2002 and 2009 was avoided thanks to the £86million spent in Elgin – the biggest scheme north of the Border – and £37million in Forres.

Businessman Seb Jones, of the Speyside Craft Brewery in Forres, said yesterday: ‘The flood defences really stood up to Hurricane Bertha last year and prevented devastation which has happened here many times before.’