Moray Council has announced its £86 million flood alleviation scheme in Elgin has reached practical completion.

The final piece of engineering, a footbridge over the River Lossie, was opened today 4 August.

Completion of the bridge means that the level of flood protection provided by the scheme for homes and businesses along the Lossie is now in place.

Only the landscaping and ancillary works remain to be completed.

The Lossie Wynd footbridge provides a pedestrian link between the Elgin's centre and Bishopmill.

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The old footbridge had a centre support and created a pinch-point in the flow of the River Lossie.

It has been replaced with a single-span bridge across a widened span. Balustrades from the old bridge are being used in landscaping of the entrance to the bridge.

The scheme has also created a safe cycle route through Elgin, which will eventually create a three-mile link between it and Lhanbryde.

Five residential properties and twelve commercial properties were demolished to create the space required for the new, wider river corridor as part of the project.

The scheme is designed to provide a 1-in-200 year standard of defence

Council Leader Stewart Cree said: "This is Scotland's biggest-ever flood scheme to date and the largest civil engineering project undertaken in Moray, and I'm delighted to say it's been completed on time and nearly £3 million under budget.

"Today marks a milestone in the history of Elgin, and brings to a conclusion a decade of planning and construction work over the five flood alleviation schemes in Moray."

(LM)