The Highland Council and Pitmain Estate announced today that the final phase of the work to construct the Kingussie Flood Alleviation Channel is now underway.
The jointly-funded project between the Council and Pitmain Estate is located on the estate’s land above the village of Kingussie.
McGowan Ltd. of Aviemore carried out phase 1 of the construction in June and July. This phase saw the formation of a section of the diversion channel between the Allt Mor and Loch Gynack.
The contractors are now back on site for phase 2, which includes the construction of the main offtake weir on the Allt Mor. This will direct a proportion of the flow from the main river, via the diversion channel, into Loch Gynack where it will then be released at a controlled rate back into the River Gynack.
Council Convenor Bill Lobban , one of four councilors representing the Badenoch and Strathspey Ward said: “ Flooding in Kingussie due to the Gynack Burn continues to be a serious problem and I am very pleased to see these works are progressing. Once complete the scheme will help to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding and will protect property with the added benefit of increasing energy generation. ”
Although weather dependent, the work program is expected to be complete, and the scheme in operation, in five to seven weeks, reported the Highland Council.
This project is jointly funded 50:50 by the Highland Council and Pitmain Estate, as part of its commitment to reduce flood risk in Kingussie as set out in the Local Flood Risk Management Plan for the Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside Local Plan District.