Councillors approve £68.6m Dumfries flood defence
Major plans are underway for Whitesands to safeguard against flooding and revamp the riverside.
Last updated 11th Dec 2025
Plans for a major flood defence project along the Whitesands in Dumfries have been approved.
At the Full Council meeting today (Thursday, 11th December), councillors backed plans aimed at safeguarding the area from severe flooding while enhancing local walkways and drainage systems.
Councillor Ian Blake brought forward an amendment to delay making any decisions, because he felt there was too much redacted information, among other risks, including project costs increasing.
It was outvoted 23 to 18.
The project, which is set to cost £68.6 million in total, includes over one kilometre of engineered flood barriers, floodgates, and improvements to surface water drainage.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, subject to final approvals, with the work carried out in phases and completed by 2029.
The defences are designed to protect the area from flood events occurring around every 75 years and are ranked as one of the most urgent flood defence projects in Scotland.
Operational and maintenance costs for the scheme are estimated at £76,500 annually.
Questions were raised during discussions about the impact of construction on local businesses and events like the annual fair.
The council says that support will continue for affected businesses as the plans move forward.
Councillor Katie Hagmann, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, expressed the importance of the decision, saying:
"Today’s decision secures essential funding needed to protect Dumfries from Whitesands flooding. It’s a significant investment in our town’s future prosperity and resilience.
"By agreeing to move forward in a positive direction with this project, we are safeguarding the community and creating long-term improvements to the Whitesands, Greensands and Dock Park areas.
"This flood protection project will help keep homes and businesses safe from the next major flood, and it also creates a better environment along the riverside for residents and visitors alike."
She added: "We will continue to engage with the community, partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders as the project progresses."
The Whitesands flood defence project supports the council’s climate adaptation, regeneration, and community wellbeing goals, as outlined in the Dumfries Local Place Plan.
The plans will now be submitted to the Scottish Government for final approval before any construction work begins.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.