Contractor for flood defence plan chosen

Council will now review business case for Whitesands

- SHARON LIPTROTT

A Belfast-headquartered civil engineering and construction firm has been awarded the contract for the multi-million pound Whitesands flood protection scheme in Dumfries.

McLaughlin and Harvey was one of five bidders that submitted tenders for the project.

A full business case will be presented to councillors on December 12 for a decision on whether to proceed with the scheme.

It will include final design details, refined costings and market-tested prices.

The local authority confirmed the controversial project is being developed “with careful financial oversight” and that the proposed funding model includes 80 per cent support from the Scottish Government, with the council contributing 20 per cent ~ subject to approval. And it said it would “remain committed to transparency, financial prudence and community involvement as the project progresses”.

The council also said that the contract award for the scheme is an “up to £38 million” agreement covering both design development and potential construction phases - not a confirmed £38 million spend at this stage”.