A £86 million flood alleviation scheme in Moray has been recognised at the 2016 Saltire Civil Engineering Awards in Edinburgh.

The Elgin project was commended for its "range of social, economic and environmental benefits to the local community and businesses".

The development, which was delivered by Moray Council, Royal HaskoningDHV, Morrison Construction and cost consultants Arcadis, involved building a new 6km cycle way between Lhanbryde and Elgin, as well as new footpaths and other recreational facilities. In addition, various roads and bridges were renewed along the route.

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Overall, the project was one of Scotland's largest ever flood schemes and was one of five such projects across Moray totalling £178m.

The commendation reads: "The project demonstrates the benefits of a fully integrated project team working together under a target cost contract. In addition to their primary objective of alleviating flooding in Elgin, the team's collaborative approach and attention to detail has enhanced the river corridor through the town and helped deliver a range of social, economic and environmental benefits to the local community and businesses. A well thought through project providing a modern and pleasant civil engineering solution which is environmentally and visually pleasing and well finished."

Cllr George Alexander added: "There is no doubt that the Elgin project, like others that have been successfully completed on time and under budget in Moray, has made a huge impact on people's quality of life.

"Not only has the threat of flooding been drastically reduced in their homes, but their environment has been made more pleasing and a number of facilities created for enjoyment of the area."

(LM)