The final phase of works to alleviate flood risk to the communities of Smithton and Culloden has begun, according to the Highland Council.
Local firm Morrison Construction are now on site for the largest phase of the Smithton & Culloden Flood Protection Scheme which will protect 129 properties that would otherwise be at risk of a flooding during a “once-in-200-years” event, reported the Council.
Vice Chair of the Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee and local Ward Councillor, Trish Robertson said: “ The Council gave a commitment to do all we could to reduce flood risk in the area and these new site works once complete will be key to making the community safer from potential flooding. ”
Councillor Robertson joined the Provost of Inverness, Cllr Helen Carmichael for a visit to the site yesterday (26 July) to meet the team from Morrison Construction who will be carrying out the work.
Morrison Construction, who have experience in construction of flood schemes, most recently in Moray, will be undertaking various community initiatives during the contract.
The company’s Managing Director Infrastructure Scotland, Jim Steele , said: ‘‘ I am delighted to be here to celebrate this exciting milestone for a scheme that will provide vital flood defenses to protect the Smithton and Culloden communities. Throughout construction we will continue to engage with all stakeholders while creating education and employment opportunities to ensure the project has a lasting positive impact for the community .”
The Council expects the majority of works to be complete by the summer of 2019. The Scottish Government is funding 80% of the project costs with the Highland Council providing the remainder.