Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme proposals move to next stage after council meeting

The current outline design of the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme was confirmed without modifications after councillors gave preliminary approval.

Councillors also approved an amendment asking Scottish Ministers to consider the proposals and hold a public local inquiry. The final decision on the scheme progressing would then be made by Ministers.

During Tuesday's meeting, councillors confirmed that all valid objections, unless already withdrawn, had been carefully considered by council officers before these next steps were agreed. Following a significant public consultation process, the council wrote to every objector to offer them a meeting aimed at identifying whether the scheme could be modified and their opposition withdrawn. More than 50 meetings were held with objectors.

Meetings have also taken place with various organisations working in partnership with the council to advance the scheme, including Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, SEPA, and the RSPB. The council is currently working with NatureScot and the RSPB to resolve their objections without the need to modify the proposals while Historic Environment Scotland has now withdrawn its objection.

Committed to finding the best solutions

Councillors further agreed that the project team, working in consultation with the planning authority, should seek to deliver 52 proposed changes to the scheme.

The measures were approved after council officers presented a report setting out the history of flooding in Musselburgh and the increasing threat it poses from the river, the coast, and the impacts of climate change. In addition, the report detailed the engagement carried out with the local community to help develop the proposals.

An outline design, focused on reducing flood risk using evidence-based techniques while retaining the town's historic character and natural environment, was first approved by councillors in January 2024. It has subsequently been presented to stakeholders and the public through a statutory consultation process in line with the requirements of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.

Safeguard the future

East Lothian Council leader Norman Hampshire said: "The council is committed to finding the best solutions to mitigate the risk of flooding in Musselburgh while engaging with the community on how to achieve this.

"By taking this preliminary decision in accordance with the relevant legislation, we are able to move to the next stage in progressing the proposed scheme which seeks to safeguard the future of the town as a wonderful place to live, work and visit."

Although a detailed design is still to be developed, the outline scheme is aimed at bringing about a major reduction of flooding risks, preventing waters spilling onto the natural flood plains on which Musselburgh was built over the centuries. This includes the modification of two reservoirs in the South Esk catchments, the replacement of four existing bridges with new structures that won't impede the onward flow of water and flood debris, the provision of a large debris catcher located upstream of the town, and river restoration works along the Esk corridor.

The project would also involve the creation of new drainage and pumping stations, engineering works on the Pinkie Burn to manage flood waters on this small burn, modifications to the Musselburgh Mill Lade to achieve flow control, new physical defences along the River Esk Corridor and Coastal Foreshore, and the modification of Fisherrow Harbour to incorporate it into the coastal defences.

As the proposed works would constitute part of the National Flood Protection Scheme Programme, the Scottish Government will provide 80 per cent of its eligible cost.