Over 108,000 Scottish homes ‘at risk of flooding’

More than four per cent of homes in Scotland are thought to be exposed to flooding, a new report from the Scottish Government has warned.

The ‘Mapping Flood Disadvantage in Scotland 2015’ report revealed that over 108,000 properties are classed as being vulnerable to floods and warned that climate change is “likely to aggravate the frequency and severity of flooding” in the country.

A large number of the homes identified cover areas within the Forth Valley, as well as others in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Environment minister Dr Aileen McLeod confirmed that the Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2016-17 maintains provision for funding flood protection schemes.

Dr McLeod said: “Climate change is happening now. Extreme weather is having an impact in Scotland and across Europe and the world – as some communities have already experienced to devastating effect this winter.

“This report highlights that the changing climate is increasing the risk of flooding for a number of Scottish communities.

“Identifying and understanding why some neighbourhoods are more flood disadvantaged than others is essential to help us plan and target the right support to communities at flood risk.”

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: “Although we have become much better at preventing homes from being built in flood-prone areas, climate change means that more existing properties will start to be at risk from flooding. So, while it’s right that steps are taken now to protect the homes most at risk from flooding, in the longer term the best insurance policy to head off the worst of the danger is to reduce the emissions which are changing our climate.

“Reducing the risk of flooding is just another reason why, as we approach next May’s Holyrood elections, we want to see each of the political parties set out their plans to ensure Scotland meets its climate change targets.”