New £15m fund will support local groups, communities and councils to improve defences and preparedness.
The Scottish government has announced new funding worth £15m to help communities most at risk from flooding. Of course, climate change means we’re experiencing more extreme weather conditions and increased risk of floods. The new money will support such interventions as sustainable drainage, including natural features like green spaces and planting, to reduce flood risk and future proof existing flooding infrastructure. There will also be support for innovative coastal resilience projects to replenish sand dunes and reduce flood risk in towns such as Montrose.
What’s more, there will also be support available for communities recovering from the impact of recent flooding. Public Health Scotland will develop a new interactive tool combining flood risk data with population and demographic data to help identify communities and groups most at risk in the future. And the new Flood Advisory Service will support local authorities to deliver major flood protection schemes more efficiently, reducing delays and improving value for public money.
This three-year investment in local resilience is in line with the Scottish government’s wider flood resilience strategy. Preparatory work will be undertaken this year, with funding for local projects available from 2027. More detail on how the programme is to work will be included in the forthcoming flood resilience strategy implementation plan.
Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affars, says: ‘Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.
‘This £15 million package delivers on our 100 days commitment to invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted where it is needed most. By working closely with communities, local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to the challenges of the future.
‘From community-led projects and nature-based solutions to better data, improved infrastructure and more effective flood protection schemes, this investment complements our wider flood resilience strategy to help build a safer, more resilient Scotland.’
Photo by Aldward Castillo / Unsplash.
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