Bellwin scheme set to help Perth and Kinross Council with Comrie flood repair costs

THE Scottish Government is to activate the Bellwin scheme to help Perth and Kinross Council with the huge costs of dealing with the devastating floods in the village of Comrie.

• John Swinney confirmed that the Bellwin scheme is to be triggered

• The Bellwin Scheme provides for immediate financial support to local authorities after large-scale emergencies.

The Bellwin Scheme formula provides for financial support to local authorities dealing with disasters or emergencies and allows councils to reimburse some of the immediate costs of large-scale emergencies through special grants.

John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, has confirmed that the Bellwin scheme is to be triggered to deal with the “significant flooding” in Comrie, following an approach by Roseanna Cunningham, the MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross.

Ms Cunningham had written to Mr Swinney, calling for the scheme to be activated. She said in her letter: “You will understand that there is a considerable degree of anxiety in the village coupled with some frustration at the slow progress in coming up with a satisfactory solution to a known problem.

“With this in mind, I wonder if it would be possible to activate the Bellwin formula in order to ensure that any works identified as being required can be speedily embarked upon and completed.”

Ms Cunningham welcomed the Government’s positive response. She said: “I am delighted that the Bellwin Scheme funding has been activated and I hope that work can start as soon as possible. The people of Comrie have been through a great deal and I hope that this news will bring them some of the reassurance they sorely need.”

Annabelle Ewing, the MSP for Mid Scotland who is a Comrie resident, said: “Releasing this funding means that the work that has been identified as being needing done can be brought forward. I know that is news that will be very warmly welcomed in Comrie.