Elected members, council officers and delivery partners — principal contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, programme and project managers Turner & Townsend, and design consultants Jacobs — came together to commemorate the project's shift from planning to on-site delivery.

The Whitesands Flood Protection Project is a significant infrastructure investment designed to lessen flood risk to homes, businesses and vital assets in Dumfries town centre. It addresses a long record of flooding and is intended to build lasting resilience as climate pressures intensify.

Alongside flood defences, the scheme will upgrade the River Nith waterfront with improved public spaces, stronger walking and cycling connections, and a more accessible, attractive riverside for residents, businesses and visitors. The design respects Dumfries' character and historic setting while introducing modern, high-quality public realm features.

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Sustainability sits at the heart of the plans, with measures to cut carbon, reuse materials where possible, and enhance biodiversity along the river corridor. The project also supports wider environmental and regeneration priorities across the town centre.

Delivery will take place in five phases, starting at Greensands. The phasing aims to enable safe, efficient construction and limit disruption, with the council maintaining close engagement with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders throughout.

Speaking at the event, Council Leader Stephen Thompson said: "Marking the start of construction at Greensands is a significant milestone for the Whitesands Project. This scheme represents a major investment in the future of Dumfries, helping to protect homes and businesses while also enhancing the town centre as a place to live, work and visit. We recognise that projects of this scale bring disruption, and we are committed to working closely with our communities as the work progresses."

Seamus Devlin, Managing Director, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd, said: "Being awarded this contract is a real testament to the civil engineering expertise that we've built in delivering complex flood protection scheme projects across the UK. We are committed to working with Dumfries and Galloway Council and all local stakeholders to deliver this scheme in a collaborative way ahead of programme."

Works at Greensands constitute the first stage of the Whitesands Flood Protection Project, with subsequent phases planned across the Whitesands area over the coming years.