A programme of works for the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme has been confirmed by the appointed contractor.

RJ McLeod has already been on site to set up the main compound and offices at the former Bridgehaugh Dyeworks on South Bridge Street. These will also be used by CH2M Hill, the designers of the £31.4m scheme, and project managers CPE Consultancy.

The initial works of the project are expected to start in March at two sections of Riverside Road. As a result of these works, a section of the A708 road west of the Waterwheel Café will close from 2 March for three months to allow for the road to be raised. Traffic management and footpath diversions will be in place.

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Then, from mid-March, work will commence at the St Mary's Loch outlet. This will be followed by the construction of a flood defence wall behind properties at the east end of Ettrickhaugh Road in early April. The work at St Mary's Loch is scheduled to be completed by October, allowing for the new water management system to be in place to reduce the flood risk to the area for next winter.

During the summer, works will see the Bridge Street Footbridge replaced with a new footbridge, with site preparatory works commencing in May.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: "The announcement of the programme of works is a huge moment for Selkirk. At the end of the process, a total of 595 properties in the Bannerfield, Philiphaugh and Riverside areas will be removed from the national flood risk.

"We realise communication is vital throughout the works and both the Council's project team and RJ McLeod will be engaging with businesses and residents in advance of works in their local area."

(JP/MH)