The areas of Scotland most at risk of flooding are to be identified for the first time, as part of a consultation launched today.

New guidance is also being published to ensure all agencies involved in dealing with flooding are clear about their roles and responsibilities in delivering sustainable flood management.

Scotland's Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson today visited a successful flood protection scheme in Edinburgh where he outlined the latest significant developments in Scotland's flood management.

He said the Sustainable Flood Management guidance was 'a major step forward' in improving Scotland's co-ordinated response to any floods and strengthening the nation's resilience.

Mr Stevenson said: "Flooding can have a devastating impact on homes and businesses. I welcome these measures which are designed to reduce the risk of flooding and ensure that, where floods occur, they are effectively managed.

"Our Sustainable Flood Management guidance will form the blueprint upon which Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), local authorities, and Scottish Water will deliver their flood risk management responsibilities.

"Furthering our understanding of flooding will also help us to develop long term, sustainable solutions. SEPA's consultation will provide, for the first time, an accurate picture of which areas are most at risk of flooding.

"The Braid Burn in Edinburgh is a fine example of what can be done to protect people and properties against flooding and has been nominated for a Saltire Award for its environmental achievements. It shows that flood management schemes can be sustainable and cost effective which is essential at a time of Westminster budget cuts."

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Launching SEPA's consultation - Flooding in Scotland: "A consultation on Potentially Vulnerable Areas and Local Plan Districts - SEPA Chief Executive Dr Campbell Gemmell said:

"The Minister's guidance and SEPA's consultation on areas at significant risk from flooding will help manage floods, by improving the way we all work together and by targeting our efforts for the benefit of Scotland's people, environment and economy.

"SEPA's National Flood Risk Assessment provides, for the first time, an accurate picture of the scale of flood risk in Scotland. Approximately one in twenty homes and one in fourteen businesses in Scotland are at risk of flooding.

"SEPA's consultation has at its core the identification of areas at risk of flooding, which will provide Scotland with the knowledge needed to help plan actions and invest funds to protect the most vulnerable and those areas at the greatest risk of flooding."

Lisa Webb, RSPB Scotland Land Use Policy Officer said: "It's crucial that all responsible authorities including local authorities, Scottish Water and SEPA are clear on their duties to deliver sustainable flood management and we welcome this guidance as a first step towards achieving this goal. The guidance emphasises the importance of natural measures that provide long-term solutions to flood alleviation and help us adapt to a changing climate. Such measures will not only help safeguard Scotland's people and communities from flooding but have potential to provide much-needed habitat for our wildlife - a real win-win."

The Sustainable Flood Management (SFM) guidance sets out statutory guidance to SEPA, local authorities and Scottish Water on fulfilling their responsibilities under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. The SFM guidance covers a range of topics including understanding flood risk, catchment flood management and selecting and implementing sustainable actions. Technical guidance on appraising flood management options will be provided separately.

Section 13 of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (FRM Act) requires SEPA to identify areas where a significant flood risk exists or is likely to occur in the future. These Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs) are identified through a National Flood Risk Assessment, also to be carried out by SEPA.

Many areas of Edinburgh between Redford Road and Portobello have a history of flooding from the Braid Burn. A major flood in April 2000 caused significant damage to 250 properties including the Cameron Toll Shopping Centre and Peffermill Industrial Estate.

(GK)