Council approves flood protection project in Dumfries

The decision unlocks £54.9m in funding from the Scottish Government.

The Whitesands Project is a key initiative to safeguard Dumfries from the River Nith flooding while revitalising the riverside area. 

The town has suffered regular flooding for centuries, damaging property and deterring investment, with risks expected to worsen under climate change. 

The project aims to deliver a permanent 1-in-75-year flood protection standard – a flood that has a 1.3% chance of happening in any given year – for Dumfries, safeguarding homes, businesses and key infrastructure.

It will create a revitalised riverside corridor at Greensands, Whitesands and Dock Park, with new walkways, landscaping and public spaces.

At yesterday’s Full Council, councillors considered the Full Business Case, developed in line with HM Treasury Green Book guidance, which sets out the strategic, economic, management, commercial and financial cases for the project. 

The total project cost of £68.6m – an increase from the 2023 estimate of £37.5m due to design development and inflation – now provides financial clarity. 

Councillors agreed to allocate £13.7m (20%) of the project cost, securing £54.9m (80%) in match-funding from the Scottish Government. 

To date, £5m had already been allocated by the council; yesterday’s decision approves the additional £8.7m required to green-light the project.

Councillor Katie Hagmann, convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “(This) decision secures essential funding needed to protect Dumfries from Whitesands flooding. It’s a significant investment in our town’s future prosperity and resilience.

“By agreeing to move forward in a positive direction with this project, we are safeguarding the community and creating long-term improvements to the Whitesands, Greensands and Dock Park areas.

“This flood protection project will help keep homes and businesses safe from the next major flood and it also creates a better environment along the riverside for residents and visitors alike.”

She added: “We will continue to engage with the community, partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders as the project progresses.”

The Whitesands Project will now be submitted to the Scottish Government for final approval. Then, subject to all necessary consents, construction set to start in spring 2026. The project will be delivered in phases to manage disruption with completion expected in 2029. 

It is expected that the project will deliver benefits worth over £74m, including reduced flood risk, improved health and wellbeing, enhanced recreation and active travel opportunities and a boost to the local economy. Ongoing operational and maintenance costs are estimated at £76,500 per year.