ELGIN’S £86M FLOOD alleviation scheme was given a nod of approval by the Deputy First Minister when he visited the site on Friday as the scheme enters its final stages.
After receiving a conducted tour of the main aspects of the scheme, Mr Swinney recalled darker days for residents when he toured the area in 2006 with local MP Angus Robertson and MSP Richard Lochhead.
Mr Swinney said: “A number of properties had individually taken measures against flooding – you could see how much of a concern it was.
“The flood alleviation scheme is something that should be a great source of reassurance to the general public. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to see it first hand.
“Already this scheme is making an impact to the local economy as I understand that Glen Moray distillery has invested in expanding its premises due to the lack of flood risk.”
The Elgin scheme is the last flood protection measure to be completed in Moray with four schemes at Forres (Burn of Mosset and Pilmuir), Lhanbryde and Rothes already in place at a total cost of £150million.