The contract for the construction of the 2km long flood protection scheme will begin in May thanks to funding from the Scottish Government and the Highland Council. This is one of 42 prioritised flood protection schemes identified in the National Flood Risk Management Strategy for Scotland

The flood defence is to be constructed between the Caledonian Canal and Soldier’s Bridge in the River Lochy to increase flood protection to over 300 properties in Caol and Lochyside as well as providing environmental benefits to the wider community. The scheme will be completed by 2023 and will ensure that the community, which is classified as a potentially vulnerable area will be protected against a 1:200 year storm surge event from Loch Linnhe.

As well as protecting the community, the scheme will improve and increase footpath and cycling provision and will include landscaping, planting, seating areas and play facilities to enhance the Caol foreshore.

Results from the community consultation regarding the finish of the flood wall were concluded in December last year. The results of this consultation and details of the programme for construction will be presented to the local community over the next few weeks and months as the construction plan is developed by the successful contractor prior to breaking ground on the project in the spring.

A Public Liaison Officer is to be appointed by the contractor to act as a point of contact for the community.

Local councillor Ben Thompson, chair of the Highland Council’s housing and property committee, said: “Firstly I would like to thank everyone who took part in the recent on-line consultation. Community input into the scheme has been very influential and important. I’m delighted the contract has been awarded so work can now progress. I think we are all keen to see greater flood protection for Caol and Lochyside as soon as possible, as well as all looking forward to improved pedestrian links and play facilities.”

Director of RJ McLeod, Sandy Osborne, said: “We are very pleased to be able to continue working with The Highland Council to deliver this important infrastructure project which will provide enhanced flood protection to the local communities, along with a host of other amenity benefits.

“It follows our successful Highland Council projects on Inverness Flood Scheme, Whitebridge and, soon to be completed, Inverness West Link, where we have been able to deliver a boost to the local economy, not only in terms of employment with a local highland contractor, but also in terms of the extensive and valuable local supply chain of goods and services. An integral part of the project will be community liaison and protection of the environment and we will follow and build on the good practices deployed and refined on these and other highland projects.”