Flood Risk Management
Flooding is a serious issue for many communities across Scotland. The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 introduced a risk-based, plan-led approach to managing flood risk, ensuring better coordination and long-term planning.
How Flood Risk Management works
Flood Risk Management is delivered through two types of plans:
- Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) – developed by SEPA
- Local Flood Risk Management Plans (LFRMPs) – developed by lead local authorities
These plans operate on a six-year cycle:
- Cycle One: 2016–2022
- Cycle Two: 2022–2028
Each plan sets out objectives and actions to reduce the impact of flooding in high-risk areas.
Local Plan Districts in the Highlands
Highland communities fall within two Local Plan District areas:
- Highland and Argyll (LPD01) – Lead authority: The Highland Council
- Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside (LPD05) – Lead authority: The Moray Council
Each district has both a Flood Risk Management Plan and a Local Flood Risk Management Plan.
What the Plans include
Flood Risk Management Plans:
- set the national direction for flood risk management
- identify causes and impacts of flooding in high-risk areas
- outline strategic objectives and actions
Local Flood Risk Management Plans include the actions recommended in the Flood Risk Management Plan and:
- provide detailed delivery information for each action
- include funding arrangements, responsible organisations, and delivery timescales
- highlight coordination between authorities
Cycle One (2016-2022)
Final reports summarising the outcomes of Cycle One are available to download:
Cycle Two (2022-2028)
The Cycle Two Flood Risk Management Plans and a Local Flood Risk Management Plans have been produced.
Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Strategic Environmental Assessment documents for the Highland and Argyll Local Flood Risk Management Plan Cycle 2 are available.
Highland and Argyll LFRMP SEA Screening
Coastal Change Adaptation Plan
Our Coastal Change Adaptation Plan identifies parts of the Highland coast at risk from rising sea levels, erosion and flooding, helping communities prepare, adapt and become more resilient to climate change.