The Comrie Flood Protection Scheme will protect nearly 200 homes from the threat of flooding once it is completed next year. 

Work on the scheme is being carried out by Balfour Beatty and will provide defences along the Water of Ruchill, River Earn and River Lednock – areas all historically prone to flooding. 

The defences include the construction of flood walls and embankments, incorporating innovative natural flood management techniques such as root wad revetment bank protection measures, which all told will offer protection against a 1 in 200-year magnitude flood event. 

Comrie has experienced major flood events in recent years, including January 1993, February 1997, December 2006, and August and November 2012. 

Previous flood protection works undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council in 2013 significantly reduced the flooding risk to the Dalginross area.  

However, residual flood risks from the River Earn and River Lednock remained. The detailed design of the flood scheme to address these was completed in 2023, with main construction works now underway and completion targeted for Autumn 2026.  

Led by principal designer Sweco, the scheme will provide improvements to flood resilience for the community of Comrie through increased flood defence levels while also providing a high-level finish with the use of locally sourced natural stone materials and high-quality landscaping, including compensatory tree planting, with three trees planted for every one felled during construction. 

The project is funded through a collaboration between the Scottish Government, providing 80% of the costs, and Perth and Kinross Council, contributing the remaining 20%.  

Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “It is fantastic to see construction underway on this vital flood protection scheme in Comrie. 

“Flooding is sadly becoming a more frequent occurrence due to climate change, so this scheme is hugely important for residents and businesses in the area.” 

Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “As a council, we are committed to working with our communities and this will make a real difference to the lives of people who live and work in Comrie.”  

Keith MacDonald, portfolio director at Balfour Beatty said: “We are delighted to have commenced construction on the Comrie Flood Protection Scheme, helping to safeguard hundreds of homes and businesses from the risk of flooding.

“Our focus remains on carrying out the works safely and sustainably, using innovative natural flood management techniques to enhance resilience while minimising environmental impact.”