Flood Prevention and Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1997
In March 1997 the introduction of the Flood Prevention and Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1997 instigated changes to the responsibilities and duties of Local Authorities in Scotland.
This Act amended the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 and repealed sections of the Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1930 and the Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1941.
In respect of this Act the flooding referred to is the flooding of land, not being agricultural land. Flooding of agricultural land falls outwith the requirements of the Act.
The implications on The Highland Council of this Act impose the following additional requirements:-
a) Assessment of Watercourses, from time to time for the purpose of ascertaining whether any such watercourse is in a condition likely to flood.
b) A Duty to Maintain Watercourses, which are in a condition likely to cause flooding, or where works would substantially reduce the likelihood of such flooding.
c) Notification of Local Authorities outwith the Area. Where it appears to The Highland Council that any watercourse in the area is in a condition which is likely to cause flooding, outwith the area, the Council shall notify the local authority for the area in which that land is situated.
d) Reports shall be published, at two year intervals.
In recognition of these requirements The Highland Council prepared and implemented a Flood Prevention Policy, a copy of which is included under Current Documents.
This report is published in accordance with reporting requirements of the Act identified in paragraph 1.d above.