The project in Millport, on the Isle of Cumbrae, offers coastal protection to more than 600 properties and was completed in October 2024.

Throughout the works, designed to protect residents, homes and businesses against flooding:

• More than 142 metric tonnes of armour rock were used to construct breakwaters, which minimise the wave energy that can reach the sea walls around the shores of Millport Bay
• Around 950 precast concrete units – including 361 flood walls, 251 kerbs and 337 revetment units – were placed along the coastline to form the backbone of the flood defence system and
• 1700 cubic meters of concrete were used as part of the onshore works, which helped create the foundations for units that will protect the town itself.

Provost Dickson has highlighted that the project is a fine example of excellent engineering that is also aesthetically pleasing and adds to people’s enjoyment of the town.

She added: “This landmark project has been delivered successfully by the council’s Neighbourhood Services staff and partners, and it will make a huge difference to the people of Millport – and wider Cumbrae – in the years to come.”

Provost Dickson, council officers and Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, were joined at the plaque unveiling earlier this week by representatives of partners involved in successfully delivering the project.

The project, which covers an area of approximately 2km along Millport seafront, was managed on behalf of the council by global professional services business Turner & Townsend, with support from the principal designer Royal Haskoning DHV.

The main contractor was Van Oord UK Ltd, with support from subsidiary Mackley Civil Engineering.

The Scottish Government contributed 80% towards the overall costs of the scheme, with the council meeting the rest.

Councillor Gurney said: “As we all know, climate change is having a devastating impact on our day-to-day lives. Millport has a long history of flooding, and this project will help to improve the safety and security of the island’s residents against increased coastal flooding threats.

“Flood defences like these ones also contribute to long-term climate resilience by protecting against rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events such as Storm Eowyn, which sparked widespread red weather warnings across the country and some of the highest winds Scotland has seen for some time.

“This investment in long-term protection will also help to foster economic growth by allowing local businesses to operate during adverse weather. And the offshore breakwaters contribute to ecosystem preservation by reducing the energy of incoming waves and preventing erosion of the coastline.

“I would like to congratulate those involved in successfully delivering such a major project.”