Scottish Government to host EU flooding workshop
In collaboration with WWF Scotland and the European Commission, the Scottish Government will be hosting an international conference on Catchment Flood Risk Management Workshop in the historic burgh of Stirling on October 15 and 16, 2009. The workshop will form an important part of the Governments work to improve flood risk management across Scotland and implement the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.
The main aims of the workshop are:
- to discuss and draw conclusions and recommendations on what it means to adopt a catchment-focused approach to flood risk management, including cross border implications
- to examine opportunities, best practice and obstacles to the delivery of catchment-focused flood risk management
- to examine how best to deliver coincidental (including WFD), social and economic benefits
- to consider land management (rural and urban) and the adoption of flood management techniques that work with natural characteristics of the landscape
- to exchange information on recent developments in the field of flood risk management planning
Further details can be found at the workshop website.
Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009
The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill was passed by Parliament on May 13, 2009 and received Royal Assent on June 16, 2009.
The Act will be commenced in stages over the coming year and, until Section 70 which repeals the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 has been commenced, current flooding legislation will remain in place. This phased commencement will allow for a smooth transition to the new legislation.
The Act will introduce 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.
It will also create a more joined up and coordinated process to manage flood risk at a national and local level.
Specific measures within the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 include:
- A framework for coordination and cooperation between all organisations involved in flood risk management
- Assessment of flood risk and preparation of flood risk management plans
- New responsibilities for SEPA, Scottish Water and local authorities in relation to flood risk management
- A revised, streamlined process for flood protection schemes
- New methods to enable stakeholders and the public to contribute to managing flood risk, and;
- A single enforcement authority for the safe operation of Scotland's reservoirs.
During its progress through the Scottish Parliament, the Bill was considered by the Finance Committee, the Subordinate Legislation Committee and passed Stage 1 proceedings of the Scottish Parliament on January 22, 2009.
The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill was referred to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee at Stage 2 and consideration of amendments took place on March 4, 2009, March 11, 2009 and March 18, 2009. The Bill passed Stage 2 on March 18, 2009.
The Subordinate Legislation committee considered the delegated powers provisions after Stage 2.
The Bill passed Stage 3 on May 13, 2009
The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent on June 16, 2009.
Business and Flood Risk Seminar
On Monday March 17, 2009, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) held a Business and Flood Risk Seminar at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.
The Minister for Environment, Roseanna Cunningham, gave the keynote speech at the event, which was part of SEPA's annual flood awareness raising campaign.
Representatives from a wide variety of Scotland's stakeholder interest groups came together to share their experiences of flooding, listen to the effects it can have on business and highlight ways of preparing for the impact that flooding can have, particularly on businesses.
The Minister said:
"Floods are naturally occurring events which cannot be prevented. The changing use of land and the spectre of climate change have greatly contributed to an increasing likelihood of adverse impacts from flooding events.
"Not only does flooding have the potential to cause fatalities, displacement of people and environmental damage, but it also has the potential to severely compromise economic development and to undermine the business activities of Scotland.
"The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill, presently passing through the Scottish Parliament, will improve flood risk management planning in Scotland allowing for a streamlined decision making process and a modernised and sustainable approach to flood prevention.
"A vital component of flood protection is the preparation for the eventuality of flooding, and at SEPA's event today, we hope to raise the awareness of risks of flooding to businesses and inform how businesses can better be prepared, reducing the impact of a flood and the time needed for a return to normality.
"SEPA's annual flood awareness campaign is only one of a range of initiatives that the Scottish Government supports and funds in order to provide the means for people and businesses to identify and reduce flood risk wherever possible, and so protect our environment, our people and our economy."
Guides on protection from flooding for businesses or individuals and other related publications can be downloaded from
SEPA's website.
Scottish Flood Forum Launch
The then Minister for Environment, Michael Russell, launched the Scottish Flood Forum (SFF) on November 10, 2008, in Broxburn, West Lothian.
The SFF - funded by the Scottish Government, was set up by the National Flood Forum and is supported by SEPA.
It will raise awareness of flood warnings and self-help measures, while providing an independent voice for flood victims.
Paul Hendy, formerly of the National Flood Forum (NFF), has become the project manager with overall responsibility for the SFF.
The establishment of the SFF follows a recommendation from the Flooding Issues Advisory Committee (FIAC) in 2007.
The Minister for Environment, Michael Russell said:
"The new Scottish Flood Forum aims to give people practical advice which we can all heed to help protect ourselves against flooding, by raising awareness of flood warnings and self-help measures.
"It is increasingly important to raise awareness of flooding in this way, following one of the wettest summers on record, and the risk is only likely to increase with climate change in years to come.
"Flooding is highly distressing for its victims and the forum will also play an important role in providing an independent voice for those affected by flooding or at high risk from its devastating impact.
"By investing £180,000 in this forum, we aim to provide the means to help people identify and reduce flood risk wherever possible to protect our environment, our people and our economy."
During the launch the Minister visited several families and homes affected by flooding within Broxburn. He also met with members of the Burnside Action Group which was set up in the aftermath of the August 2008 flood events.
The Chief Executive of the National Flood Forum, Mary Dhonau, who has also been a victim of flooding, said:
"It has always been our ambition to open a branch in Scotland and to give the much needed and necessary support to people at risk of flooding in Scotland. We are delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised the valuable work we do and is supporting us financially to enable us to work with and support both the victims and those at risk of flooding in Scotland."
SEPA Flood Unit Manager, David Faichney added:
"SEPA welcomes the introduction of the National Flood Forum to Scotland and we look forward to working with them and the Scottish Government to help support Scotland's flood risk communities."