Recorded flood event observations to support Flood Risk Assessment – Tomich, Invergordon, Highlands: EIR release
Information request and response under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
Information requested
"JBA Consulting have been commissioned to undertake a Flood Risk Assessment for a site in the vicinity of Tomich, near Invergordon, Highlands, (Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference (OS NGR 270000 870900). Please see map attached showing the site location in red outline.
By undertaking an internet search and freedom of information requests from SEPA, Scottish Water and the Highland Council, we are aware that flooding along the A9 has previously occurred at a low point along the A9 to the west of our site. We understand that flooding is known to have occurred at this low point along the A9 in October 2023 and December 2024.
We are hoping to gain a further understanding regarding the source of these flood events that have occurred at the A9 to the west of our site. As such, I was hoping to ask if you would be able to share with us any information regarding observations made or known sources of flooding that occurred at this location. For instance, if you know whether flood events have previously occurred at this low point on the A9 from watercourses overtopping their banks in the vicinity and running down the road, or from surface water overland flow from land to the north, or exceedance of road drainage systems?
If you have any observations of the flood events that have occurred in this area, could you please share the information with me if possible? It would be greatly appreciated if we could receive this as it would help us to understand any existing current flood sources and dynamics in the site’s vicinity."
Response
Q. Provide an understanding regarding the source of these flood events that have occurred at the identified site on the A9 to the south west of A9 Tomich Junction.
A. Our Operating Company, BEAR Scotland, are unsure about the source of the flooding. They have carried out a CCTV survey and site investigations. Given the quantity of flood water and silt, it would appear that the flood water has discharged onto the trunk road from the adjacent third party private land. BEAR Scotland plan to carry out further investigations to try to determine the source of the water on the hillside above the A9 and they would be very happy to provide additional information if it becomes available and to work collaboratively to try to identify the source of the water and possible remediation.
Q. Do we know if flood events have previously occurred at this low point on the A9 from watercourses overtopping their banks in the vicinity and running down the road, or from surface water overland flow from land to the north, or exceedance of road drainage systems?
A. Apart from the incidents, which occurred on October 2023 and December 2024, we are unaware of any other flood events occurring at the identified location.
Q. Share any observations of any flood events that have occurred in the identified area.
A. Please see Annex A for recorded flood incidents in the identified area.
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Contact
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Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
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