A £15 million programme has been announced to strengthen flood resilience in communities across Scotland that face the greatest risk.

The funding will be available to local groups, community organisations and local authorities to enhance preparedness and improve protection against flooding.

Resources will back sustainable drainage measures, using nature-based features such as green spaces and planting to cut flood risk and bolster existing infrastructure for the long term.

Coastal areas will also benefit, with support for innovative shoreline resilience projects, including sand dune restoration to help protect towns like Montrose.

Additional assistance will be provided to places recovering from recent flood events. Public Health Scotland will create a new interactive tool that combines flood risk information with population and demographic data to identify communities and groups most at risk in future.

-- Advertisement --

A new Flood Advisory Service will help local authorities deliver major flood protection schemes more efficiently, aiming to reduce delays and secure better value for public money.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: "Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.

"This £15 million package delivers on our 100 days commitment to invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted where it is needed most. By working closely with communities, local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges of the future.

"From community-led projects and nature-based solutions to better data, improved infrastructure and more effective flood protection schemes, this investment complements our wider Flood Resilience Strategy to help build a safer, more resilient Scotland."

This package supports the Scottish Government's Flood Resilience Strategy.

The three-year investment will build local resilience, with preparatory work under way this year and funding for local projects available from next year.

Further details will be set out in the forthcoming Flood Resilience Strategy Implementation Plan.

SEPA (the Scottish Environment Protection Agency) is Scotland's principal environmental regulator.