Scotland to map flood risk areas

16/06/11

By Helen James

Authorities in Scotland are doing an audit of the areas most prone to flooding.

The consultation will map the most flood-prone sites for the first time and there will be new advice issued to the agencies responsible for managing floods.

The Scottish Government will put new guidelines together to make sure everyone involved knows their responsibilities after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has finished its consultation.

The documents and ways of working that come out of the exercise will be a huge advance in Scotland's flood response,  said Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson.

He said: "Flooding can have a devastating impact on homes and businesses. I welcome these measures which are designed to reduce the risk of flooding and ensure that, where floods occur, they are effectively managed.

"Our sustainable flood-management guidance will form the blueprint upon which Sepa, local authorities, and Scottish Water will deliver their flood risk management responsibilities. Furthering our understanding of flooding will also help us to develop long-term, sustainable solutions.

"Sepa's consultation will provide for the first time an accurate picture of which areas are most at risk of flooding."