The £15 million scheme in Stonehaven will provide the town with a one in 200 year flooding protection from the River Carron.

Designs include flood walls and embankments using 2D hydraulic modelling which helps to verify flood levels.

The consultancy will also undertake ground investigations and environmental surveys.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) will also be utilised.

Mott MacDonald’s project director, Stephen Knight, said: “We have been improving the efficiency of the initial concept design by reducing piling requirements, overall material volumes and simplifying construction requirements.

“Working with statutory bodies, we are aiming to minimise the impact on the watercourse during construction by maintaining part of the existing river channel where possible.”

The flood protection scheme is due to be completed by the end of 2018.