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Writer's pictureAyrshire Daily News

Update on multi-million pound flood protection scheme

A major £48 million Flood Protection Scheme on the Isle of Cumbrae has been completed.

Work started on Millport Flood Protection Scheme in spring 2023 to help improve the safety and security of the island’s residents against increased coastal flooding threats.


Throughout the works:


  • more than 950 precast units were placed along the coastline to form the backbone of the flood defence system

  • 1720 cubic meters of concrete was used to help create the foundations for units that will protect the town and

  • 142,000 tonnes of rock was used to create the breakwaters that minimise the wave energy that can reach the sea walls around the shores of Millport Bay


Offshore works that were part of the project included:


  • the installation of a rock armour breakwater, which has created a calm area of water. This part of the works was essential to allow a proposed marina - which is an Ayrshire Growth Deal project - to be constructed in the future

  • foreshore rockworks at Clyde Street and at Crichton Street/Clyde Street and

  • the creation of concrete revetments - slopes that absorb wave energy to help reduce coastal erosion - at Kelburn Street, Millburn Street and Clyde Street.


Onshore works around Glasgow Street have included wall repairs and painting; jetty repairs – including the jetty near the famous Crocodile Rock; the creation of concrete walls and revetments and benches being put in place.

The main contractor for the flood protection work in Millport was Van Oord UK Ltd, with support from subsidiary Mackley Civil Engineering.


Joris Jipping, Project Manager at Van Oord, said:

"I am proud to have led the project team which delivered the critical coastal projection works at Millport.


“We worked closely with North Ayrshire Council, the local community and other stakeholders to ensure successful completion of the project. It was a fantastic project to be a part of."


Ben Hamer, Managing Director at Mackley, added:

"Mackley was delighted to be given the opportunity, together with Van Oord and North Ayrshire Council, in the delivery of coastal protection works along the approximately 2-kilometre-long Millport seafront.

"The new scheme will last for decades and offers much-needed protection for the homes and businesses of Millport. The scheme provides much more than flood risk reduction and has created an enhanced social space for the main town.”


This project was managed on behalf of the council by global professional services business Turner & Townsend, with support from the Principal Designer Royal Haskoning DHV.


The Scottish Government contributed 80 per cent towards the overall costs of the scheme, with the council meeting the rest.


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