A £43m scheme which will save more than 1,000 Edinburgh homes and businesses from the threat of flooding was officially opened by Roseanna Cunningham.

Joining the Minister for Environment in celebrating the project's completion were pupils from Colinton Primary School, one of the properties now protected by the Braid Burn Flood Prevention Scheme.

Following a presentation by the pupils who described the work undertaken in creating the purpose built defences, Ms Cunningham said: "Edinburgh has suffered a long history of flooding from the Braid Burn. The most severe events occurring in April 2000 and October 2002 which resulted in flooding to a number of properties next to the burn and which caused substantial damages.

"Taking climate change into account, the scheme will reduce the annual risk of flooding to more than 1,000 homes and businesses to less than one per cent. Impressive figures which will provide lasting benefits to people's health and to the environment.

-- Advertisement --

"The Scottish Government included funding for the scheme within the general capital grant that we provided to Edinburgh City Council. Completion of this project will free up the council's flood response team previously on stand-by to deal with potential flooding in this area. This winter, the team, will be deployed to bolster resources in other areas of the city and help lessen the impact of flooding on other residents. The collective approach to solving the issue of flooding from Braid Burn is one I hope to see repeated across the country. The only way in which the improvements to flood management needed to protect communities and businesses will be effectively implemented."

Edinburgh Councillor, Gordon Mackenzie added:"We witnessed the misery caused to local residents and businesses when the Braid Burn burst its banks in 2000 and 2002. Since then we have worked hard to improve flood protection and I am pleased that, with the scheme complete, we will be able to give greater peace of mind to the homes and businesses affected.

"Alongside this, the project has allowed us to improve the visual and environmental quality of the Burn, to the benefit of Edinburgh as a whole.

"We now look forward to pressing ahead with the next phase of the Water of Leith works and bringing a similar level of protection to residents along its course."

(GK/KMcA)