Managing flood risk in Scotland

Scotland is adopting a new approach to manage the risk of flooding.  To better plan and co-ordinate actions, we are improving our understanding of the causes and impacts of flooding.  In the past, we have relied on flood defences and flood warnings and investment has tended to be reactive rather than pre-emptive.  The new approach will anticipate future flood risk more effectively, taking a long term and sustainable view.

For the first time, plans will be in place to manage the risk from all sources of floodwaters affecting an area whether from rivers, groundwater, coastal areas or overwhelmed drainage networks.

An important part of the new approach is recognising we all need to take responsibility for protecting ourselves, our families, property and business against the risk of flooding.

The new approach has been initiated by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009  .  To view a leaflet which tells you more about the Flood Risk Management Act and how the new approach will be implemented please click here  (1.71MB).