New Consultation on Building Flood-Proof Areas

The threat of flooding is a growing concern for many communities, and now there is a potential for more support to become available to help these communities prepare and adapt. A newly launched consultation on a proposed National Flood Resilience strategy is seeking input on how to enhance community flood resilience and involve a wider range of partners to implement various flood management actions at a quicker pace.
Some of the proposed actions to complement the existing and planned flood protection measures include implementing more natural flood management techniques such as tree planting and leveraging natural landforms to slow down run-off and capture water. Additionally, there is a focus on integrating blue-green infrastructure like urban green spaces and ponds to reduce the volume of water entering drains, as well as enhancing community resilience through funding and training local flood groups to aid communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from flooding events.
These proposed measures align with the broader efforts underway to help Scotland adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. The country’s third National Adaptation Plan is set to be released in the autumn, further emphasising the need for proactive measures.
Cabinet secretary for net zero and energy Mairi McAllan, while unveiling the consultation during a visit to Alva in Clackmannanshire to observe local community flood resilience efforts, highlighted the significance of addressing flooding as Scotland’s principal climate adaptation challenge. McAllan stressed the devastating impact that flooding can have on communities, disrupting lives, livelihoods, and affecting physical and mental health long after the waters recede.
McAllan noted, “Climate change will result in more frequent extreme weather events like floods, which is why we are committing substantial funding to reduce the impact of flooding. However, in parallel, we also need to focus on adapting our living and working spaces to be resilient to flooding. It’s time to shift our mindset from trying to eliminate flood risk to actively creating flood-resistant environments across society.”
McAllan urged individuals and organisations to participate in the consultation process to contribute towards making Scotland more prepared for flooding and reducing the impact on future generations. This collaborative effort aims to engage a diverse range of stakeholders in building flood-resilient communities.
Director of the Scottish Flood Forum, Carol Raeburn, emphasized the importance of community action in the aftermath of a flood event. She highlighted the value that flood action groups bring to affected communities, showcasing their ability to prepare for, respond to, and support their neighbours during challenging times.
Raeburn acknowledged the noticeable increase in the frequency and severity of flood events in recent months due to climate change, underscoring the critical need for public participation in the consultation. She urged both individuals and community groups to actively engage in shaping Scotland’s first national flood strategy to better prepare for future weather-related challenges.