The planned multi-million-pound Comrie flood protection scheme has passed a major milestone after a contract was signed with a contractor to carry out the work.
Balfour Beatty, through the SCAPE Civil Engineering Framework, will build the £26.8m scheme designed to protect 189 homes and businesses, some of which have previously been affected by flooding in Comrie. The appointment of a contractor means that preparations to commence works can now begin.
The scheme will significantly reduce the flood risk from three rivers; the River Earn, the River Lednock and the Water of Ruchill. Comrie has experienced a history of serious flooding from the rivers, most recently in November and August 2012, and in December 2006.
The scheme involves the construction of flood walls and embankments and is designed to protect the community up to a '1 in 200 year' flood event. The defences will be located on the right bank of the Water of Ruchill and along both banks of the Rivers Earn and Lednock through Comrie. The total length of the defences will be around 2.8km.
The proposed scheme was confirmed by the Council's Environment and Infrastructure Committee in August 2021, and planning permission was granted by Scottish Ministers in December of that year. The detailed design was concluded in spring 2023, when the process for appointing a contractor began.
The Scottish Government will contribute 80% of the overall capital cost and the Council will contribute the remaining 20%.
Initial works from September 2024 will consist of site set-up and tree clearance, with construction beginning in February 2025. Completion is estimated for Autumn 2026.
The project team will contact all affected landowners over the coming weeks to discuss the works, including access arrangements.
Council Leader, Councillor Grant Laing, said: "This is a huge milestone for the Comrie flood protection scheme, a project which has been an aspiration for the Comrie community and the Council for some years now.
"I am delighted that we have an agreement in place with Balfour Beatty, and that work on the ground can now begin. The complex scheme has been designed to the highest possible standard to protect Comrie from significant flood events, and it should bring peace of mind to homeowners and businesses who have sadly experienced the trauma of repeated flooding in the town over the years."
Economy and Infrastructure Convener, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said "The Council has worked closely with the community in Comrie as the project was taken forward, and we will continue to do that as we move into the construction phase."
Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's regional business in Scotland added: "We are pleased to have been appointed to deliver these important works, building on our long-standing and successful relationship with Perth and Kinross Council.
"Drawing on our extensive experience and expertise in delivering flood defence works, we will complete the scheme to the highest standard, protecting hundreds of local homes and businesses in Comrie - an area prone to historic flooding."
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