SNP Councillor for Speyside Glenlivet, Pearl Paul, has officially opened the 24 million pound Rothes Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The Councillor, who also lives in Rothes, had long campaigned for flood alleviation work and fought hard to have Rothes included in the list of schemes being built in Moray.

The Rothes scheme is the third major scheme in Moray to be completed with the support of the Scottish Government and follows the completion of the Lhanbryde Scheme and the Forres Burn of Mosset Scheme.

Work has already begun on the biggest scheme in Moray in Elgin and design work is continuing on the Forres Pilmuir Scheme in what is the largest and most ambitious set of flood schemes being progressed anywhere in Scotland.

The opening of the scheme has also been welcomed by fellow SNP ward councillor Mike McConachie, local MSP Richard Lochhead and Moray MP Angus Robertson.

Councillor Paul,  who officially opened the scheme, said:

“ It’s fine to wake up in the middle of the night now to the sound of heavy rain and be able to roll over and go back to sleep without fearing the worst.

“ I pay tribute to all those who have played a part in the development and construction of the scheme and while we cannot be happier that the scheme is completed the presence of the contractors, who have built up a good rapport with the community, will actually be missed!

“ The people of Rothes have shared their local knowledge of flooding with the project team and have been very understanding and accommodating as the design and construction has gone on.

“ The vital need for the scheme was well understood by the community and they have supported the work at every stage to the extent that the project managers viewed the community as being an integral part of their team. That community spirit has been quite simply fantastic.”

Councillor McConachie said:

“ The completion of the flood scheme is a great day for Rothes and, indeed, for the wider Speyside community.

“ Tackling the challenge of flooding has brought the community together through adversity and there will be a great deal of relief that this day has arrived and the community can get back to normal.

“ My SNP colleague Cllr Pearl Paul has fought long and hard for many years to see this work completed and I have been delighted to back her in this cause when I joined her in representing Speyside Glenlivet Ward in 2007.”

Moray’s MSP, Richard Lochhead, said:

“ This is a fantastic day for the people and businesses of Rothes, who have suffered significant losses in previous flooding events over many years.

“ I myself have visited residents during the most recent flood and witnessed first hand the impact it had on those affected. The distress caused to families and to businesses should not be underestimated.

“ This scheme will provide welcome relief from the threat of flooding in the town and the team who have delivered it must be commended on their achievement.”

Westminster MP, Angus Robertson, said:

“ Since being elected in 2001 Moray has experienced several significant flooding events, several of which have affected Rothes. I know from speaking with many constituents in Rothes and elsewhere in Moray, the pain and distress that is caused by flooding and have, in the past, been out with neighbours to try and prevent rising flood waters from entering properties and causing destruction.

“ Today is a good day for both everyone affected by flooding and everyone who has worked hard to put in place this vital scheme. The backing for the scheme both locally and from the Scottish Government has been great. The scheme now looks fantastic but, more importantly, it will keep people and property much safer for many, many years to come.”