Scotland: Coastal defenses for Western Isles

• Four schemes to protect coast and roads from flooding

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Oct. 10, 2007 -- A package of measures to help improve coastal flood defenses and roads in the Western Isles was announced tonight.

Environment Minister Michael Russell confirmed four coastal protection schemes, increased support for the the islands authority's safe routes program and a hydrodynamic study into the South Ford area.

At a public meeting in South Uist, Russell said: "I am delighted to return to South Uist today to confirm the Scottish Government will meet its commitment to help improve coastal defenses in the Western Isles.

"I can confirm approval of four proposed coast protection schemes at Balivanich and Pol-na Craan in Benbecula, Craigston in Barra and Stoneybridge in South Uist. We look forward to providing further support to the council once Comhairle has obtained tenders for the construction work.

"I visited the isles this summer and heard of the ongoing need for further coastal defenses. I am therefore pleased to announce funding of 200,000 to completely fund a hydrodynamic study to look into the complex marine conditions in the South Ford area. This much needed study will form a basis for future coastal planning.

"Furthermore, I can announce the Government's increased support for the Comhairle safe routes program, with an additional 250,000 funding to allow work planned for roads at Iocder, Howbeg and Muir of Aird to be completed.

"In all, these measures will greatly help protect the vulnerable communities of the Western Isles from the threat of coastal flooding in future years.

"I would like to pay tribute to individuals and communities who have continued to fight for these resources, to the council and local elected representatives who have pressed upon me the need for honouring long-standing commitments."

The purpose of the 200,000 hydrodynamic study is assist in developing longer term and informed strategic approaches to coastal flooding/erosion concerns in this area. There is a recognized need to implement further detailed studies of the complex marine conditions in the South Ford area in order to improve understanding of wave and tidal regimes and the influence of the South Ford Causeway and Gualan Island on coastal erosion and coastal flooding issues. Comhairle is working with consultants to define the scope of the study, which is expected to take around one year.

The additional 249,500 will allow work planned for roads at Iochdar, Howbeg and Muir of Aird to be completed through the Comhairle safe routes program. Work on the Iochdar road is expected to be finished in early 2008, whilst the other road construction is due to commence Spring 2008.

Coast protection grant is available to support council expenditure incurred in carrying out approved coast protection schemes. Construction of confirmed schemes meeting required technical, environmental and economic criteria attracts 80 per cent grant funding.

The Scottish Government has made 42 million of grant funding available in 2007/08 to local authorities to support confirmed flood prevention and approved coast protection schemes.

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Also see:
-- "Flood protection for Scottish western isles set to improve"

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