Work is finally under way on a massive flood defences programme to safeguard a “high risk” Perthshire community.
It is hoped that the £15 million scheme at Almondbank will end more than 20 years of flooding misery for residents.
The village and nearby hamlet Lochty have been hit by a spate of serious problems the worst in 1993, when the historic Black Bridge over the river Almond was washed away after a night of torrential downpours.
Now Perth and Kinross Council has awarded the £700,000 contract for the first phase of the work to Glasgow-based Mackenzie Construction.
Diggers and machinery moved on to the site this week.
Perth and Kinross Council’s environment committee convener, Alan Grant, visited Almondbank to see the launch of the two- year project.
“It is good to see an early start being made to work on this flood scheme,” he said.
“We have all seen the damage that flooding can do to the area.
“With work beginning, we can offer greater assurance and peace of mind to residents that progress is taking place to help protect the communities in Almondbank and Lochty against future flooding events.”
Council chiefs have been working with consultants Mouchel on a solution to the on-going problems. They have developed a scheme which will radically reduce the risk to local homes and businesses but will have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
The programme will feature a series of defences along the River Almond and the East Pow burn.
These comprise flood walls, raised embankments and erosion protection measures.
Two road bridges along the burn will be replaced and raised and an existing footbridge at the river will be moved.
The current playing field in the centre of the town will be modified to act as a flood storage area, and the work will include the replacement of the community sports pavilion.
Extra drainage measures and a new pumping station will also be put in place.
Work on phase one will be carried out over the New Year period and is scheduled to last until April.
The second stage of the plan will start late next year and is due to draw to a close by the end of 2016.
After flooding in 1993, the area was hit for a second time in 1999, when torrential downpours led to mud and water lying on the Almondbank playing fields.
The protection plan was agreed after further flooding in early 2011.
“A study of the area found that there was a “high risk” of future problems.
Earlier this summer, the Scottish Government agreed to contribute £11.6m towards the £14.7m plan.