Funded by the council and the Scottish Government, the Arbroath (Brothock Water) Flood Protection Scheme has been designed to reduce the risk of flooding from the Brothock Water, which runs through the coastal town, and provides a one in 200-year standard of protection.

It is a national priority project under the Flood Risk Management Strategy and has been developed in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The project had been due to start in May this year but, in common with almost all areas of the UK-construction sector, has experienced some delay as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Morrison Construction has been appointed following a tender evaluation process and is currently engaged in a detailed pre-start review of the £12 million project with a view to commencing work shortly. This review will ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines and working practices.

Communities convener, Cllr Mark Salmond, said: “I am delighted that we can confirm the award of the contract to Morrison Construction. The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on our lives – at home and at work, and for leisure and industry. No section of our community has been left untouched by this emergency, but it will be good to see these works commencing soon.

“This provides some good news and certainty around the Arbroath Flood Scheme – a project that will undoubtedly have really positive outcomes for a large number of the town’s residents.”

Stephen Slessor, regional director for Morrison Construction, said: ”Morrison Construction has a strong track record across the Environment sector and we look forward to starting work with the Scottish Government and Angus Council on this important scheme which will deliver long-lasting benefits to the community.”

The scheme is focused on holding back flows in the catchment above Arbroath to reduce flows in Brothock Water thus protecting parts of the town that have suffered from flooding in the past and remain at risk from flooding.

It will remove 530 people and their properties from their current level of flood risk, preventing flood damage that averages at £840,000 each year. Once underway, the project will take approximately 18-months to complete.

The scheme builds on a successful partnership between Scottish Government, Angus Council and Morrison Construction which saw the delivery of the Brechin Flood Prevention Scheme, one of the biggest civil engineering projects ever undertaken in Angus at the time, and which provides a one in 200 years’ standard of defence against flooding.