New flood protection schemes for Forres, Galashiels and Inverness have come a step closer as part of the local government settlement for 2012-15.

The three new schemes will receive support from the Scottish Government for up to 80 per cent of their total costs. Locals Authorities are yet to appoint project contractors but according to Minister for Environment and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson, today’s announcement will give assurance to potential bidders and residents.

Mr Stevenson said: "This is great news for flood protection in Scotland, particularly for the three vulnerable areas who will receive this aid. We have listened to the concerns of local government and agreed with COSLA that this resource should be targeted towards major new projects.

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"The announcement will give these councils the certainty to tender and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these schemes will have to the lives of residents and livelihoods of businesses. In partnership with COSLA, a further application round will be held in due course which will help take forward flood protection schemes in other parts of Scotland."

Following representations from local authorities about funding of large scale flood protection schemes, the Scottish Government and COSLA agreed that for the 2012-15 spending review period, the flooding component of the general capital grant should be targeted towards major projects. The distribution of this being agreed between COSLA and the Scottish Government.

The current estimated costs of the three additional schemes are

•Highland - River Ness (Tidal Section) Flood Prevention Scheme, £22 million

• Moray - Forres (River Findhorn and Pilmuir) Flood Prevention Schemes, £44 million

• Scottish Borders - Galashiels (Plumtree, Wilderhaugh and Netherdale) Flood Prevention Scheme, £3.6 million

(GK)