A major flood management scheme has been completed around the Den Burn area in Aberdeen.

The Den of Maidencraig flood management and wetlands project will work alongside the Stronsay Park scheme to help protect dozens of properties downstream, after the area was hit with flooding in March.

A path was built on top of an earth bank which is about 2m high and 5m wide, with shallow sloping sides. In order to safeguard properties downstream from flooding, the bank was also designed to hold water back in storm events to a depth of up to 1m, achieved by replacing the temporary bridge with a new one and installing a large drainage pipe underneath. It aims to slow the flow of water in the Den Burn, allowing it to temporarily flood across the boggy area of the Den of Maidencraig during storms.

As part of the works, the tributary burn coming off the hillside at the Lang Stracht was moved and opened up to improve the habitat for wildlife.

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The scheme was carried out by Aberdeen City Council with funding from Intereg and Bancon Homes.

It is one of four schemes designed to help save houses and businesses in the neighbourhood and further downstream from being flooded.

Aberdeen City Council public protection vice convener, Councillor Lesley Dunbar, said: "We're delighted the Den of Maidencraig scheme is finished and we look forward to seeing how well it will work, alongside the Stronsay Park scheme.

"There have been several areas around the city which have been affected by flooding particularly in recent years, which causes misery and heartache for residents in their homes and businesses.

"One of these areas was around the Den Burn, and City Council offers carried out expansive computer modelling for the water flow, and then designed several schemes which are designed to flood and contain the water.

"We hope that these new schemes will reduce the flood risk in Aberdeen, while at the same time provide more access options for the community and improve the local habitat for wildlife."

Graeme Reay, land and planning director at Bancon Homes, added: "We were pleased to work with Aberdeen City Council on this project, which will not only assist in the flood management for properties downstream but will also improve pedestrian connectivity for the occupants of Bancon Homes' Eden at Maidencraig and The Reserve developments as well as existing properties in the surrounding area, while maintaining the integrity of the local nature reserve."

(CM)