The Interim Progress Report on the 2nd Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan focuses on options to minimise the impact of flooding across Ayrshire, Arran and Great Cumbrae between 2022 and 2028.

Under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, 12 Local Plan Districts across the country are responsible for assessing and managing flood risk.

Ayrshire operates as a single Local Plan District, with responsible flood authorities involved being the three Ayrshire local authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water.

Progress highlights include the completion of two multi-million projects - the Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme and Millport Flood Protection Scheme, both of which were first identified in the earlier planning cycle.

The completed schemes have improved the standard of flood protection to the communities of Kilbirnie, Glengarnock, Dalry and Millport.

Coastal Change Adaptation studies at Ballantrae in South Ayrshire, Irvine and Stevenston have also been completed. These studies will help parties with an interest in the coastal environment to better respond to the predicted changes driven by sea-level rise and climate change.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “It is good to see that two major flood protection schemes have been completed successfully. With our partners, we will continue to work hard to protect communities from the ongoing risks that flooding presents to residents, properties and the local environment through rising sea levels, the increasing number of storms and coastal erosion.”