Council keeps drains and roads clear of sand in Thurso

The Highland Council’s Community Services has recently (Wednesday 1 May) carried out a clear-up in an effort to tackle wind-blown sand affecting the local community in Thurso.

The Council is continuing to monitor its roads and drains under its responsibility near Thurso Beach and is in dialogue with environment partners in Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage and SEPA.

The Council understands that sand was blown from land under private ownership during sand storm events which happened in January 2019 and last year during September and late November - early December.

As the local Roads Authority and Coast Protection Authority, The Highland Council has fulfilled its duty to maintain the roads and associated drainage systems by removing sand in the affected areas.

While the Council has powers to construct and maintain coastal erosion/control measures it is under no duty to carry out such measures.

The Council’s capital programme does not include coastal defence measures in this area and the Council is currently working towards its change programme “A Sustainable Highland” which was approved by Members in February and is set to deliver £37.456m savings over the next three years. The Council is currently operating with an over spend of over £5M and some savings from 2018-19 are still to be achieved.

The Council will undertake monitoring of the beach profile that will inform any changes and enable future reviews with partners.