The Scottish Government

Despite a relatively sheltered location, Rothesay seafront has been very vulnerable to overtopping of the seawall. Southerly winds, combined with a rising tide, increase the flood tide and funnel water up the Firth of Clyde causing a tidal surge. The land masses around Bute constrict the water, raising water levels above predicted tide levels, and even in calm weather, a high tide has been capable of reaching the top of the seawall. Since the 1960s, flooding has occurred on around a five-year cycle, but more recently, this has increased to almost an annual event and is expected to become even more frequent due to climate change.

Argyll and Bute Council appointed consultants to design a solution. The selected design involves a double wall with a maximum height of 1.5 metres to help prevent overtopping during high tides and protect residential and commercial properties around the pier and esplanade area. The wall will run along the rear of the Esplanade and the design includes access points to the pier and esplanade and a ramp to maintain access to the ferry terminal. The scheme has been designed to give protection up to the 1 in 100 year tidal surge with an allowance for climate change and freeboard.

Rothesay flooding, February 2002 (Photo courtesy of Argyll and Bute Council)

Rothesay flooding, February 2002 (Photo courtesy of Argyll and Bute Council)