Moray Council’s contractor Pat Munro begins repairs on Findhorn’s coastal erosion, ensuring safety for the main road into the village.
Findhorn: Work has started on a road damaged by heavy rain and strong winds last spring. The repairs are crucial for the main road into the village.
Moray Council’s contractor, Pat Munro, is handling the repairs. They will take place just outside Findhorn village on the B9011. The project will happen in two phases and is expected to last about 10 weeks.
The first phase involves setting up the site and moving materials. The second phase will focus on permanent repairs. This work aims to stabilize the road after significant coastal erosion.
Large boulders, known as rock armor, will be placed to protect the slope. The work will be done from the road, and traffic lights will be removed on weekends.
Last March, there was significant erosion along Findhorn Bay. Heavy rain also caused surface water damage to local homes. Interim measures were taken, including placing sandbags and stones in the worst-hit areas.
As flooding becomes more common, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is reviewing vulnerable areas. Plans will be published in 2027/28.
Councillor Draeyk van der Horn is pleased with the progress. He noted a short delay due to winter weather but believes the work is on track. This is good news for local residents.
However, he expressed concerns about future resilience against climate change impacts. He highlighted that Moray Council’s budget for flood risk management is only £320,000 for 2025-2028, which may not be enough.
Cllr van der Horn was surprised to learn that Moray will not receive any of the £25 million allocated by the Scottish Government for flood prevention. He emphasized the need for this funding to protect communities.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the costs for necessary interventions could rise significantly. The work is expected to take around 10 weeks, depending on the weather.