North Ayrshire Council has released an interim progress report detailing the ongoing efforts to mitigate flood risks across the region. The report, part of the 2nd Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan, outlines the strategies and completed works designed to protect Ayrshire, Arran, and Great Cumbrae between 2022 and 2028.

The report highlights the successful delivery of two major infrastructure projects that were initiated in the previous planning cycle. These multi-million pound developments—the Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme and the Millport Flood Protection Scheme—are now operational.

These completions have significantly bolstered the flood defences for several vulnerable communities, specifically: Kilbirnie; Glengarnock; Dalry; Millport.

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In addition to physical defences, the council and its partners have concluded Coastal Change Adaptation studies for Ballantrae in South Ayrshire, as well as Irvine and Stevenston. These academic and field studies are vital for understanding how the coastal environment will shift due to climate change and rising sea levels, allowing stakeholders to plan future responses effectively.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: "It is good to see that two major flood protection schemes have been completed successfully. With our partners, we will continue to work hard to protect communities from the ongoing risks that flooding presents to residents, properties and the local environment through rising sea levels, the increasing number of storms and coastal erosion."

Under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, flood risk is managed by 12 Local Plan Districts. Ayrshire functions as a single district, bringing together the resources of North, East, and South Ayrshire Councils alongside the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water.

The progress report is published on behalf of all these partners. Members of the public can access the full Local FRM plan, along with information on how to report flooding issues, via North Ayrshire Council's dedicated flood protection webpage.