Flooding can have serious effects on people, homes, businesses, and health.
Historically Scotland has not faced the same degree of river and coastal flooding as England, due mainly to its different topography. However, climate change is expected to increase flood risk, potentially doubling it in some areas in Scotland before the end of the century.
While flood defences, effective surface water management, flood warnings and other policies can reduce the risk from flooding, these risks can never be completely eliminated.
Through the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, the Scottish Government has introduced a more sustainable and modern approach to flood risk management, suited to the needs of the 21st century and to the impact of climate change.