Scottish Borders Council is continuing to make progress on a number of major flood alleviation schemes in the region.

Two alleviation projects have been completed in the last year, with one getting closer to its next phase before construction.

Almost 600 homes/businesses are now protected in Selkirk following the completion of £31.4 million in defences for the town. All walls, embankments and river restoration works have been completed in less than two years.

Included in the major works is a new water management system at St Mary's Loch to store extra water.

Other key highlights include:

• Construction of a flood protection wall and culvert between the Shaw Burn and Dunsdale Haugh

• Reconfiguration of Selkirk Recycling Centre

• Around 2km of flood defences between the Ettrick Water and the Riverside recreational and industrial areas created

• Installation of a new 90-metre long Bridge Street Footbridge which has been designed to remain open during major flood events.

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In addition, significant work has been carried out to take the £36.4m Hawick Flood Protection Scheme forward.

Consultations and community events have been held to gather views on the scheme and shape the final designs. The development is set to go before Councillors and the Scottish Government for approval next year.

A further £250,000 scheme to protect 40 properties in Peebles is set to begin, while an earlier project has been carried out at Skiprunning Burn.

Councillor Gordon Edgar said: "SBC has a strong track record of delivering flood works, with the Galashiels Flood Prevention Scheme having previously been completed in 2014.

"Since last winter, further progress has been made across the region. It is brilliant news that Selkirk's defences are finished, and the Council appreciates the patience and goodwill of those affected during the construction of the scheme.

"It is hoped the scheme will now lead to a regeneration of the area and encourage the creation of jobs, with the defences making it easier for companies to secure flood insurance.

"Hawick Flood Protection Scheme continues to be a priority for the Council. The Council was delighted with the response from the people of Hawick to the Flood Protection Scheme public exhibition, coupled with the Scottish Government's provision of the first tranche of funding.

"The Council will continue to engage with local people in the town as the scheme enters its next phase in 2017.

"The people of Jedburgh have previously been badly affected by flooding and the Skiprunning Burn Scheme will reduce the impact caused by the burn overtopping."

(LM/JP)