More than £40 million is to spent on strengthening Scotland's flood defences over the next decade, it has been announced.
Following on from a series of studies and consultations, the Scottish government, in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), have revealed plans to bolster flood defence systems with the aim of protecting more than 10,000 at-risk homes.
In all, 40 new flood protection projects will be launched and completed over the next ten years, with a total of £42 million to be invested in construction work as well as on new flood management plans at the local level.
"Climate change, and the associated increase in flooding events, poses a significant national risk," noted COLSA's Stephen Hagan as he announced the news.
"This is why investment in flood protection schemes and associated infrastructure is critical to protecting vulnerable householders, businesses and communities, and why the strong working relationship between local and Scottish government is so important."
Earlier in the month, it was announced that Aberdeenshire is to benefit from £7 million in fresh funding, with the money earmarked for constructing new flood defences as well as strengthening existing ones.
