Balfour Beatty has secured a £27 million contract to deliver the Comrie flood protection scheme, commissioned by Perth and Kinross Council.
The project, awarded through the SCAPE Civil Engineering Framework, will involve constructing 2.8 km of river walls and embankments along the Ruchill River, River Earn, and River Lednock—areas that are prone to significant flooding.
This initiative will protect nearly 200 homes and businesses by providing flood defences designed to meet a “1-in-200-year flood” standard, ensuring long-term security for the community. The project is set to begin soon, with an expected completion date of autumn 2026.
Balfour Beatty’s efforts will also extend to local schools, where its team will spend 50 hours educating students about sustainable construction, the scheme’s benefits, and potential career opportunities in the industry. This educational initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community engagement and long-term sustainability.
The project continues Balfour Beatty’s history of flood defence work in the region, having previously delivered the Almondbank flood protection scheme, which safeguarded over 150 properties.
Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Scottish operations, expressed pride in the company’s role in enhancing Comrie’s flood defences and future-proofing the area against natural disasters.
The scheme is expected to employ around 100 workers, including 10 apprenticeships, graduates, and trainee positions, further contributing to local economic growth. Councillor Grant Laing of Perth and Kinross Council praised the project’s initiation, calling it essential for the well-being of the town, which has suffered from repeated flooding incidents over the years.
