£21m flood defence project for Inverness divides opinion

PLANS for a £21 million flood prevention scheme to protect homes and buildings in the centre of Inverness have received a mixed reaction after being published yesterday.

The project is designed to protect almost 1,000 buildings that are at risk if the River Ness bursts its banks. Under the scheme unveiled yesterday, flood defences would be put in place along the river bank, including concrete walls of up to a metre, along with landscaping and art works to make the defences less obtrusive.

Neil Gillies, Highland Council’s director of transport environment and technical services, said the aim was not only to provide essential flood defences, but to make the river bank an attractive place for tourists and locals to visit and, at the same time, boost trade for local businesses.

However, there was concern among some residents about the disruption that the development will cause and its potential to spoil the look of the area.

Nicol Manson, owner of the Waterside Hotel in Ness Bank, said the walls could make it harder for tourists and residents to see the beauty of the fast- flowing river.

Victoria Paterson, owner of the Glen Mhor Hotel on Ness Bank, said: “The big questions are how much disruption is it going to cause and what it’s going to look like.”

Mr Gillies said the exhibition was a chance for the public to have their say on the proposals, adding: “This is a major step forwards. The funding is already in place, with £16.1m coming from the Scottish Government.

“It would be our intention to have work beginning in October. We are liaising with the various utility companies such as gas and electric to enable the scheme to go ahead smoothly.”

The River Ness has burst its banks several times, sometimes with devastating consequences. The most disruptive event occurred in 1989 when the railway viaduct was swept away with the floods. A pre-feasibility study for a flood alleviation scheme was undertaken in 2005. Planning permission was granted in 2009 and the Scottish Government agreed to fund 80 per cent of the project in January.

As well as the flood works, Highland Council will spend an additional £3m to improve the appearance of the river banks for pedestrians and cyclists.

The plans have been drawn up by Inverness-based management and engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald.