A new £3.5 million flood protection scheme has been officially opened in Aberdeenshire.

The project was delivered for the town of Huntly by Wills Bros Civil Engineering over 10-month period.

The work, which will help reduce the risk posed by flooding to the Meadows area of the town and the A920 Huntly to Dufftown Road, includes new embankments both in the Meadows area and adjacent to the A920 at the Ittingstone Burn, new culverts, piling, various utility diversions, property reinstatement and the creation of a new walkway along some of the embankments.

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Speaking at the official opening ceremony Deputy Provost Ron McKail said: "Local residents will be well aware of the importance of this scheme, and also what a long, complicated and expensive process it has been to get to this point.

"The project has been progressed as quickly as possible, recognising the need to provide extra security against flooding to residents and businesses in the town, while also giving appropriate consideration to the views of objectors.

"I'm very pleased to be here today, marking the official opening of this scheme, which will provide benefits to the wider Huntly community for many years to come."

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Marr Area Committee, Moira Ingleby, said: "The people of Huntly know the risk posed to the town by flooding, having suffered from it in the past, and the majority will welcome this new scheme and the protection it provides.

"While it has not been a quick or easy process, it is great to see this scheme become reality and start to bring benefits to the wider community."

(LM/MH)