Up to £38 million contract awarded for Whitesands flood scheme, pending approval

Dumfries and Galloway Council have said that its recent contract award for the Whitesands Flood Protection Scheme is an “up to £38 million” agreement covering both design development and potential construction phases – not a confirmed £38 million spend at this stage.

The contract, awarded to UK-based civil engineering firm McLaughlin & Harvey following an open tender, is structured in two stages.

Stage 1, now underway, involves Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), where the contractor – McLaughlin & Harvey – works with the council to refine the scheme’s detailed design, phasing and revised cost estimates, which are subject to change.

This collaborative planning phase ensures the flood defences are buildable, cost-effective and minimise disruption before any major construction begins.

A full business case, including final design details, refined costings and market-tested prices, will be presented to Full Council on 12 December 2025 for a decision on whether to proceed.

Stage 2 covers the main construction works, including flood walls, glass panels and gates along a new raised riverside walkway. This phase will only proceed if explicitly approved by councillors in December.

No commitment to the full expenditure will be made unless and until council votes to advance the project.

The Whitesands Flood Protection Scheme is a major initiative to safeguard Dumfries town centre from the River Nith’s flooding while revitalising the riverside area. The town has suffered regular flooding, which has damaged property, deterred investment and is expected to worsen under climate change.

The scheme’s design combines permanent flood walls with sections of reinforced glass panels and demountable flood gates set into an enhanced waterfront promenade.

Once in place, the defences will stretch from the former Dumfries and Galloway Standard offices downstream past Dock Park, with additional barriers at Welldale and Kenmure Terrace across the river.

In normal conditions, the new raised walkway and public spaces will be open and accessible to the community. During flood events, the walls, panels and gates will form a barrier to protect homes and businesses in the town centre.

Cllr Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "The Whitesands Flood Protection Scheme represents a vital investment in the future of Dumfries – not only to safeguard the town centre from flooding, but also to create a vibrant, inclusive riverside space for the community.

"We understand concerns around rising costs, and I want to reassure residents that the project is being developed with careful financial oversight.

"A full Business Case, including detailed costings and market testing, will be presented to all council members for a decision in December 2025. With the Scottish Government slated to cover 80% of the funding, the council’s own contribution would be about 20% – and even that remains subject to elected members’ agreement."

Cllr Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "It’s important that this scheme works for the people of Dumfries. We recognise the historical and cultural importance of Dumfries’s fairs – including the centuries-old Rood Fair – and we are committed to preserving this tradition.

"The needs of local showpeople are being fully considered in the design process, so that events which have been part of our town’s heritage for generations can continue at the Whitesands.

"Throughout this stage we’re engaging with stakeholders to get their input. By listening to community feedback now, we’ll ensure the final design that will be taken to Full Council in December for member decision would not only reduce flood risk but also deliver the improvements people want to see on the riverside."

As part of this community engagement, the council held two drop-in public sessions on 2 and 3 September 2025 in Dumfries to gather local views on the Whitesands area. Residents, businesses and community organisations were invited to share how they currently use key riverside spaces – Greensands, Dock Park and the Whitesands itself – what draws them in, and what would encourage them to spend more time there.

An online Whitesands Project survey (open until 30 September) has also been launched on the council’s website for those unable to attend in person.

Feedback from these sessions and the survey will help shape the final design and inform the full business case. The council encourages all interested parties to participate.

The council remains committed to transparency, financial prudence and community involvement as the project progresses.