OVER £3.6 million has so far been spent by Dumfries and Galloway Council on progressing the controversial Whitesands flood scheme.
That’s the total since 2010, according to official council information, titled ‘Yearly costs to date for the scheme works’, which has been shared with this paper.
The biggest outlays were £666,290 in 2018-19 and £904,000 last year, with the overall total now standing at £3.674,415.97.
When the Whitesands project initially started, it had a pricetag of £15 million. However, the most recent estimates for the work show the cost has more than doubled and it’s now expected to be about £37.5 million by the time it’s all done.
Councillors reaffirmed their support for it back in October 2023 and decided to stick with the raised walkway concept, which will comprise a combination of walls, glass panels and flood gates providing flood protection.
Of the design, often referred to as a bund, the official documentation says: “The use of solid walls, softened by planting and grassy banks, has been used on schemes across the country. This is a tried and tested method for reducing flood risk.”
The physical defences will begin on the Greensands and end downstream, in Dock Park. Defences will also be included at Welldale and Kenmure Terrace.
On their dedicated update webpage, the council stress: “This is not just about flood protection – it’s a catalyst for revitalising the River Nith waterfront. By enhancing the waterfront, we are creating new opportunities to boost tourism, support local businesses and attract more visitors.”
However, opinion is split in the town, and across the area, with some opponents believing a ‘rising wall’ would work better.
Despite frequent protestations, officers are pushing on through the nine stages of the project and are currently at number seven: detailed design.
Jacobs was appointed last October to develop the design and are thought to be about 60 per cent of the way through. Completion is scheduled for autumn so a full business case costing can be carried out, and the Scottish Government funding deadline has been set for March 31 2026.
Also currently taking place are a range of ecological surveys studying bird, animal and aquatic species. The feedback will help plan the construction to ensure minimal disturbance to the community, local ecology and the environment.
In their last update, the council said they now require the services of a qualified contractor to input into and support the detailed design development. As such, a Meet the Buyer event was held, attended by 11 companies.
More updates are expected after the summer recess.
