Concerns raised over flood protections for River Almond in Kirkliston

Further flood prevention measures for the River Almond in Kirkliston have been called for by a local MSP after the community had been rocked by floods late last year.

Flash floods in Kirkliston

Last December, after torrential rain, the River Almond burst its banks at Kirkliston, much to the concern of local residents, who have faced regular flooding threats and damage over the course of many years.

But residents have been informed that Kirkliston and the River Almond will not be included in cycle two of the Local Flood Risk Management plan (2022 – 2028).

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Edinburgh City Council say that this is because they need to prioritise limited resources to the areas most in need.

Flooding is a major concern in Kirkliston

Transport and environment convener, councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We appreciate the impact flooding can have on residents and our flood prevention team work hard to monitor the city’s watercourses and attend to issues.

“We must prioritise our resources for long term flood prevention schemes to the areas most in need but, while we are not intending to carry out flood studies in Kirkliston and the River Almond as part of the Second Flood Risk Management Cycle, we are carrying out remedial works to address issues there.

“These include repairs to the embankment and work to reduce road flooding from the Niddry Burn, as well as plans to install flood gates to driveway entrances at properties in the Breastmill area.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, responded by welcoming the remedial works but said: “My concern is how well these remedial works will hold up if Kirkliston is hit again with severe weather and the level of the River Almond rises.

“If more significant flood prevention work is required, Kirkliston might have a long wait to be included in the next cycle of works.

“I will keep a close eye on the effectiveness of these measures and won’t hesitate to push for more comprehensive flood prevention work to be carried out if required.”

A spokesperson from SEPA said: “SEPA is working in partnership with Edinburgh City Council to develop and refine the Flood Risk Management Strategies and Local Flood Risk Management Plans.”

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