A plan to protect homes, businesses and communities from flooding has been launched by Aileen McLeod, MSP for South Scotland (SNP).
The Flood Risk Management plan contains 14 local strategies and proposals for 42 flood protection schemes or engineering works planned for 2016-21 and a range of other flood alleviation measures.
This will be supported by investment over the first cycle of £235 million on measures to protect up to 10,000 properties.
Speaking at the launch, Dr McLeod said: “ Having met with many people who have seen their homes and livelihoods damaged due to flooding over recent weeks, I am all too aware of the devastation that flooding can cause.
“This shows exactly why Scotland’s first national flood plan is an important and necessary step forward. Our plan is designed to improve the way we tackle the risk of flooding across the country – protecting more homes, businesses, communities and livelihoods.”
Following recent flooding as a result of Storm Frank, the Minister said that the plans show the Scottish Government is committed to helping communities recover and protecting communities against future risks.
This follows on from the £12 million investment announced by the First Minister over the weekend.