National Flood Resilience Strategy: implementation report 2021 - 2025

Conclusion

This report highlights both the scale of the flood risk challenge that Scotland faces and the significant progress being made to address it. Flooding continues to represent one of Scotland’s most serious climate-related risks and major flooding events provide a stark reminder of the impact flooding can have on communities, infrastructure and the economy.

Over the reporting period the range of activities detailed in this report have delivered improved protection to thousands of properties, businesses and public services, reducing vulnerability in communities at risk from flooding. The successful delivery of 13 major new flood protection schemes demonstrates the tangible benefits that long-term investment and collaborative delivery can bring, while projects such as Eddleston Water and the Allan Water Improvement Project have strengthened understanding of how natural processes can contribute to flood resilience while delivering wider environmental, biodiversity and climate adaptation benefits. At the same time, continued support for the Dynamic Coast programme and the Coastal Change Adaptation Fund has helped improve understanding of coastal change and supported communities in preparing for the growing challenges associated with sea level rise and coastal erosion.

The reporting period has also seen substantial progress in data and improving Scotland’s understanding of flood risk. Enhanced flood mapping, increased access to flood data, improved forecasting and warning services, and strengthened hydrometric monitoring networks are providing decision-makers, practitioners and communities with better information than ever before. SEPA’s continued development of forecasting and warning capabilities, alongside its leadership role in flood risk planning, has strengthened Scotland’s ability to anticipate, prepare for and respond to flooding.

Equally important has been the growing recognition that flood resilience cannot be delivered by public bodies alone. Communities, businesses and property owners have a vital role to play in preparing for and responding to flood events. Support provided through organisations such as the Scottish Flood Forum, community resilience initiatives, citizen science projects and programmes promoting property flood resilience has helped empower individuals and communities to take action and become more resilient. These initiatives reflect a growing people-centred approach to flood risk management, recognising that resilience is built not only through infrastructure, but also through awareness, preparedness and community capability.

The publication of Scotland’s first National Flood Resilience Strategy in 2024 marks an important milestone and sets a clear direction for the future. The progress described in this report demonstrates that Scotland establishing strong foundations to build on. Through continued collaboration, innovation and investment, and by placing people and communities at the centre of decision-making, Scotland will be better positioned to adapt to future flood risks and reduce their impacts.

While substantial work remains, the actions delivered during this period have strengthened Scotland’s resilience, improved understanding of flood risk and enhanced the ability of communities, organisations and government to work together in managing one of the country’s most significant climate challenges.