Plans to end a century of flooding misery present an opportunity to “revitalise” an Angus town, it has been claimed.
Brechin was awarded more than £13 million of Scottish Government cash for its flood protection works, which could begin by the end of this year.
Environment and climate change minister Paul Wheelhouse confirmed an 80% contribution to the £16.3 million project that will help protect 150 properties beside the River South Esk.
Local councillors Jim Houston and Mairi Evans said Brechin now has a chance to make an “attractive gateway” into town.
Councillor Houston said: “The council will be working with the community over the coming period looking at options for the area once the ground works have been completed.
“We hope that the community will engage with the council for this unique opportunity to shape and revitalise the area, creating an attractive gateway into Brechin.
“At times it seemed like it was never going to happen because it has been in the pipeline for so long, but to see it finally come to fruition is a great boost for the town.
“Hopefully, when the works are completed, worries over the river levels of the South Esk will become a thing of the past.”
Councillor Evans said: “This will provide the peace of mind that residents have been looking for, not just in terms of reducing the flood risk itself, but also in relation to insurance which has been one of the major issues affecting residents in the area.
“The flood prevention scheme will also provide the chance of redevelopment of the whole park area, which has been long overdue.”
The Brechin scheme is designed to provide a one-in-200-year level of protection for residents along the banks of the River South Esk.
Records reveal that almost exactly 101 years ago houses there were flooded after the river rose to more than 10 feet above its normal level.
Further major flood incidents occurred in 1920, 1939, 1951, 1957, 1960, 1982, 1993, 1997 and then 2002 before the devastating and costly events at the end of 2012.
The South Esk burst its banks just before Christmas that year, forcing families from their homes and causing massive damage.
The MSP for Angus North and Mearns, Nigel Don, said he was delighted at the news as he has been working to get improved flood defences for the town for many years.
He said: “It has been clear to me for a long time, from people down in River Street in particular, that they are in need of some protection from flooding.
“The rivers have been high the last two winters and the sand bags are still down there.
“The sooner we get the defences up the better, so I am delighted with this news.”
The Brechin project has already been granted planning permission, with Angus Council committed to financing the remaining 20%, and the aim is to complete the works in the next two years.