Balfour Beatty has won a contract to deliver a £27 million flood defence scheme in Scotland.
The firm was awarded the Comrie flood protection scheme through the rapid access SCAPE Civil Engineering Framework, on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council.
The scheme will see Balfour construct 2.8 kilometres of river walls and embankments in Comrie along the Ruchill River, River Earn and River Lednock, which are known for significant flooding.
On completion, the flood defences aim to protect nearly 200 local homes and businesses.
It has been designed to meet a ‘1 in 200 year flood’ standard of protection, which will ensure they can handle severe flooding events.
Works are due to begin soon and completion is expected in Autumn 2026.
At construction peak, the schemes will employ 100-strong workforce, including 10 apprenticeship, graduate, and trainee positions.
Balfour Beatty’s team will also be spending 50 hours visiting local schools to help educate students on the benefits of sustainable construction, how the scheme will protect the local area, and the opportunities a career in the industry can offer.
The company previously delivered the Almondbank flood protection scheme for the council in 2018 protecting over 150 properties.
Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said: “We are pleased to have been appointed to this scheme building on our long-standing and successful relationship in delivering flood defence works for Perth and Kinross Council.
“Drawing on our extensive experience and expertise, the scheme will not only better protect properties, businesses and key infrastructure from the risk of flooding but future-proof the town, ensuring it remains protected for generations to come.”
Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “I am delighted that we have an agreement in place with Balfour Beatty, and that work on this important project can begin.
“The complex scheme has been designed to the highest possible standard to protect Comrie from significant flood events, and it should bring peace of mind to homeowners and businesses who have sadly experienced the trauma of repeated flooding in the town over the years.”
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