Kingussie Flood Alleviation Channel Agreement Signed

The Highland Council is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Pitmain Estate in Kingussie to jointly fund the building of a flood alleviation channel on land within the estate.  

The channel will divert high flows from the Allt Mor into Loch Gynack where it will then be released at a controlled rate back into the River Gynack. This diversion of peak flows will contribute to the hydropower scheme and help to alleviate flooding further downstream in Kingussie. 

A contract to carry out the works was awarded to McGowan Ltd. of Aviemore and works are expected to start on site this month and be completed this year. 

Once complete the scheme will help to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding in Kingussie. This measure is jointly funded by The Highland Council as part of its commitment to reduce flood risk in Kingussie as set out in the Local Flood Risk Management Plan for the Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside Local Plan District. Additional flood alleviation measures are being investigated by The Highland Council. 

Alix Whitaker of Savills, representative for Pitmain Estate, commented: "This is a great public-private partnership and I'm pleased that we can begin work on the scheme in the weeks ahead.  

"The project will be good for local flood protection in Kingussie and green energy generation at the Allt Mhor hydro scheme."  

The Convenor of The Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban, one of four councillors representing the Badenoch and Strathspey Ward added: “I am very pleased to see that these works are starting as they are key factors in making the community safer from potential flooding. Hopefully this scheme will not only reduce the misery that flooding causes but have an added economic benefit as well. I look forward to seeing the channels once they are completed.” 

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