INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan Outer Hebrides

APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009:

INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan

Outer Hebrides Local Plan District

Published by: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

1 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Publication date: 1 March 2019 Terms and conditions Ownership: All intellectual property rights INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan are owned by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, SEPA or its licensors. The INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan cannot be used for or related to any commercial, business or other income generating purpose or activity, nor by value added resellers. You must not copy, assign, transfer, distribute, modify, create derived products or reverse engineer the INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan in any way except where previously agreed with Angus Council or SEPA. Your use of the INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan must not be detrimental to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar or SEPA or other responsible authority, its activities or the environment.

Warranties and Indemnities: All reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan is accurate for its intended purpose, no warranty is given by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar or SEPA in this regard. Whilst all reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan are up to date, complete and accurate at the time of publication, no guarantee is given in this regard and ultimate responsibility lies with you to validate any information given. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar or SEPA will not be responsible if the information contained in the INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan are misinterpreted or misused by you.

Data Protection: You agree not to use the INTERIM REPORT Local Flood Risk Management Plan in any way that constitutes a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998.

No Partnership or Agency: Nothing in these Terms and Conditions are intended to, or shall be deemed to, establish any partnership or joint venture between you and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar or SEPA or other responsible authority.

No Interference: Nothing within these Terms and Conditions interferes with the statutory rights or obligations of you or Comhairle nan Eilean Siar or SEPA or other responsible authority.

2 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Jurisdiction: These Terms and Conditions are governed by Scots law and in the event of any dispute you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.

3 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Contents

Infographics 5 Foreword 6 Background 7 Review of the plan 8 Assessment of progress 14 Progress with LPD-wide actions 17 Progress with PVA-specific actions 25 Ness, Isle of Lewis (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/01) 26 Stornoway (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/02) 31 Southern Harris (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/03) 39 Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/04) 45 North Uist (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/05) 52 Benbecula (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/06) 60 Lochs Bi & Druidibeag (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/07) 70 Bornish to Boisdale (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/08) 79 Other actions 87 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms 88 Appendix 1: Flood risk management responsibilities in Scotland and the legal 89 requirement for the publication of this INTERIM REPORT Appendix 2: Publication details (OH LPD example) 92

4 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

INFOGRAPHICS: Outer Hebrides

To Be supplied by others.

5 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Foreword

This INTERIM REPORT to the Local Flood Risk Management Plan shows the progress made in delivering the actions to avoid and reduce the risk of flooding, and prepare and protect ourselves and our communities across the local plan district.

“The impacts of flooding experienced by individuals, communities and businesses can be devastating and long lasting. It is vital that we continue to reduce the risk of any such future events and improve Scotland’s ability to manage and recover from any events which do occur.” (Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan, June 2016)

The publication of the INTERIM REPORT shows that the coordinated and collaborative efforts of public bodies can be brought together to deliver sustainable outcomes.

The INTERIM REPORT is published by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on behalf of a partnership comprising the following authorities: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar; Scottish Water and SEPA.

Individuals are the first line of defence against flooding and have responsibilities to protect themselves from flooding. Through self-help and property level protection, awareness raising and signing up to Floodline, individuals, businesses and communities can and have made key contributions to the delivery of the actions in the Plan, which are detailed in this INTERIM REPORT.

Since the publication of the Plan in June 2016, public sector finances in Scotland have continued to be under considerable pressure. This places an even greater responsibility on SEPA, local authorities and Scottish Water and other responsible authorities to deliver their flood risk management responsibilities and, in particular the actions in the Plan, to manage flooding in a sustainable way.

SEPA, local authorities and Scottish Water and other responsible authorities will continue to work collaboratively to implement the actions in the Plan to its conclusion in June 2022.

SIGNATURE Cllr. Uisdean Robertson Outer Hebrides LPDP Elected Member Representative

6 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

7 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Background

The INTERIM REPORT is a legal requirement of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009(Section 37). The INTERIM REPORT is required to be published between July 2018 and June 2019. The INTERIM REPORT includes the conclusions of a review of the Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan (the ‘Plan’), published in June 2016 and includes information on the progress that has been made towards implementing the actions identified in the Plan.

Further details on flood risk management responsibilities in Scotland and the legal requirement for the publication of this INTERIM REPORT can be found in Appendix 1.

A copy of the Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan can be found at the follow link. https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh-lfrmp.pdf

8 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Review of the plan

This section sets out the conclusions of the review of the plan and a summary of progress of actions detailed in Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan. It draws upon the assessment of progress of actions presented in the subsequent sections.

Key progress in reducing the impacts of flooding since publication

Work on developing the South Ford Flood Protection Scheme, which includes protection of the Liniclate dunes, is ongoing. The scheme will provide further protection against coastal flooding. Statutory consultation will require to be progressed as the project is developed further. Delays have arisen due to the availability of topographical data obtained from aerial surveys. This information is required to allow modelling of the coastal environment and inform detailed design.

A number of flood protection studies are about to be put out to tender for by consultants. The studies include the Stornoway (02/02), Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry (02/04), North Uist (02/05), Benbecula (02/06) and Bornish & Boisdale (02/08) PVAs. Studies will be prioritised to allow any potential schemes to be developed for the next cycle of investment.

SEPA has awarded a contract to collect high resolution ground height data for the Outer Hebrides. This data is essential to support the introduction of the new coastal flood warning service and carry out improvements in the coastal flood maps.

How current is the Plan?

The Plan was published in June 2016 supplementing the Flood Risk Management Strategy published by SEPA in December 2015. The Plan details how the actions identified in the Strategy were to be implemented over the period 2016 to 2022. The Strategy and Plan are based on the National Flood Risk Assessment and the designated Potentially Vulnerable Areas at that time.

Since the identification of the actions in the Plan, there have and continue to be advancements in our knowledge and development of assessment techniques. These include the publication by SEPA of a new National Flood Risk Assessment and revised designation of Potentially Vulnerable Areas in December 2018. These advancements may inform the delivery of the actions in this Plan and will be used in the development of future Strategies and Plans.

9 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

It is therefore considered that the Plan on which this is the INTERIM REPORT is current, albeit the planned delivery and actual delivery of actions has changed for some actions as detailed in the ‘Assessment of the progress of actions’.

Significant challenges

Based on a review of the assessment of the progress of actions detailed in this INTERIM REPORT, the following key challenges and issues have been identified that have or may have an impact on the delivery of actions to manage flood risk. Arrangements planned to deliver the remaining actions are described below. Where these challenges have had an impact on the delivery of specific actions or actions across an LPD, this is detailed in the ‘Assessment of the progress of actions’.

To date, the progress of Local Authority actions has been carried out by in house Comhairle staff. Staff workload varies and includes work outwith FRM. Unplanned work activities outside of FRM have affected the time available to progress actions.

In addition, local flood events occurring in areas outside of the designated PVAs diverted resources from working on LFRMP actions.

Significant weather events

Arrangements planned to deliver the remaining actions affected by significant weather events are described below and detailed in the ‘Assessment of the progress of actions’ section of this INTERIM REPORT.

The Western Isles were severely affected by surface water (pluvial) flooding following heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018. The August 2017 event required Comhairle nan Eilean Siar resources to be deployed in dealing with the initial emergency repairs while follow up activities in reviewing what can be done are continuing. The September 2018 event caused a landslide in Harris that left debris on a main road which had to be cleared.

There have been periods of strong winter gales coinciding with relatively high tides requiring causeways to close temporarily and for seaweed and other debris to be removed from the road but this has been in keeping with what we have experienced in the past and has not resulted in significant flooding problems since the publication of the plan.

10 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Funding

‘The lists of prioritised actions to meet agreed goals and objectives in the first six-year cycle considered what would be achievable assuming a similar level of funding for flood risk management activities from The Scottish Government. However, given the timing of spending reviews and annualised financial settlements for local government, the actual ability to deliver all the actions set in the Strategies in December 2015 and detailed in this Plan will be dependent on the availability of the necessary funding in each year of the six year Plan.’ (Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan, June 2016).

The level of funding from Scottish Government for flood risk activities for the first years of the six year Plan has been at the levels anticipated. As per the principals of financial settlements for local government, the funding is not ‘ring fenced’ and local authorities may have allocated these funds to the delivery of other priorities.

Allocation of Resources

The delivery of flood risk management actions must be seen in the context of challenging local government finances and increased expectation and demand for public services. This applies to all of the responsible authorities and SEPA.

The impact on the level of funding from Scottish Government in general settlements for local government and in respect of funding for other responsible authorities and SEPA may also have had an effect on the availability and allocation of resources. There is a challenge for priority of flood risk with and against many other worthy demands on public spending.

Arrangements planned to deliver the remaining actions affected by allocation of resource issues are described below and detailed in the ‘Assessment of the progress of actions’ section of this INTERIM REPORT.

Procurement and Use of Contractors and Consultants

Arrangements planned to deliver the remaining actions affected by the use of consultants issues are described below and detailed in the ‘Assessment of the progress of actions’ section of this INTERIM REPORT.

The tendering of flood studies is yet to be finalised. This is later than we had intended and there could be issues with recruiting a consultant due to the extent of work being carried out in Scotland or with the prioritisation of actions for the next cycle (see below). 11 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Prioritisation of actions for next plan cycle

Many actions contained in the plan are to undertake studies that will assess the need for further actions to be implemented in future plans. For example, a flood protection study may recommend that a community flood action group is set up to increase resilience to flooding, or that a flood defences are constructed. This introduces a deadline date by when such actions need to be detailed and submitted by responsible authorities for consideration as actions in the next plans from 2022-28. The deadline date for submission of these actions to SEPA has been set as December 2019. The actions submitted will then be assessed and prioritised against the flood risk objectives, and consulted upon ahead of the publication of the next cycle of Flood Risk Management Strategies in December 2021 and Local Flood Risk Management Plans in June 2022. Any actions that miss this deadline may therefore be delayed for consideration in the next cycle from 2028-34.

With flood studies yet to go out to tender the prioritisation of actions from such studies will require to be highlighted prior to the December 2019 prioritisation deadline. Studies may be reviewed depending upon which are identified as being most critical if timescales affect potential grant funding in next cycle.

Arrangements planned to deliver the remaining actions

The actions in the Plan will continue to be delivered over the remainder of the 2016 to 2022 period. This will be as per the published Plan, subject to revisions in delivery dates as detailed in the ‘Assessment of the progress of actions’ section of this INTERIM REPORT.

In general, it is expected that most of the actions in the Plan will be delivered by June 2022 other than coastal mapping. The requirements for updating the coastal flood maps have changed significantly since the Local Flood Risk Management Plan was published in June 2016. SEPA are now proposing to update coastal flood maps across the whole of Scotland, including Outer Hebrides, rather than in a few specific sections of coast as originally anticipated. Due to the increase in scope it is expected that the national updates to the coastal flood maps will be completed early in the next cycle (2022 – 2028).

Coastal flood maps are very sensitive to inaccuracies in ground heights. This in turn impacts on the viability of a reliable flood warning service. Following assessment of the ground height data available for Outer Hebrides, SEPA and the Local Authority agreed that a key priority for the islands would be to collect a new set of high resolution ground height data using LiDAR. A contract has been let by SEPA to collect this data and this will be completed as soon as possible (currently awaiting a favourable weather window to fly the surveys).

12 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

The need to acquire this new data was unforeseen and will have an impact on the timescales for delivery of SEPAs Coastal Flood Warning project. We have commenced work on the project however and expect it to be delivered and operational before the end of the current cycle.

Where specific measures are required to address a delay and ensure an action is completed then this is described against the relevant action. In addition where there is a risk that remaining actions will not be delivered by the end of the Plan, planned contingencies have been considered, which are described against the relevant action.

Next steps

A Final Report on the plan will be published in between July 2021 and June 2022. This will include an updated assessment of the progress made towards implementing the current actions, a summary of the current measures which were not implemented, with reasons for their non- implementation; and a description of any other measures implemented since the plan was finalised which the lead authority considers have contributed to the achievement of the flood risk objectives.

In the meantime, to find out more about how flood risk is being managed please access the following links:

CnES Local Flood Risk Management page https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/emergencies-safety-and-crime/flood-risk-management/

SEPA Floodline https://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/flooding/floodline/

Scottish Water https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/you-and-your-home/your-home/flooding-information

13 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Conclusions

With the competing work demands on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar resources, the work required to effectively carry out the actions of the plan is challenging. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has though benefited from working closely with SEPA in the delivery of actions to date and could benefit from learning more from the experiences of other authorities.

The strategic mapping and modelling actions for the North Uist (02/05), Benbecula (02/06), Lochs Bi & Druidebeag (02/07) and Bornish to Boisdale (02/08) Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs) are now not expected to be completed until early in the next cycle. Acquiring high resolution ground heights by LiDAR was identified as being a key priority by SEPA and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar which greatly increased the scope of the work involved in the respective actions.

Work in collating information and preparing tenders for our flood protection studies is continuing. We had sought to have the studies awarded, or at least out to tender, by this stage but with competing work commitments and the work involved in preparing tenders we have not been able to finalise this work to date. The prioritisation of actions from such studies will require to be highlighted prior to the December 2019 prioritisation deadline. The studies will be reviewed so that any significant action that will be recommended by a study, can be promoted within the next investment cycle.

Work on the South Ford Flood Protection Scheme design is ongoing. The scheme includes the protection of the Liniclate dunes. The availability of topographical survey information and a desire to ensure that the scheme delivers an effective outcome for stakeholders have delayed the progression of the scheme.

Flood events occurring in areas outside of the designated PVAs has diverted resources from working on LFRMP actions. There is a need to react quickly to understand flood events and other works need to be set aside while this is done.

Comhairle nan Eilean will look to share experiences with other authorities, better coordinate competing work demands and work closely with our partners to ensure that the actions of the Local Flood Risk Management plan are delivered as effectively as possible.

For the plan to be successful every effort must be made to continue to nurture and develop good relationships and open communication with stakeholders.

Where possible, CnES will look to work with new partners who may be able to offer further insight, support or could promote LFRMP actions within the local communities.

14 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Assessment of progress

This section sets out an assessment of the progress towards implementing the actions set out in the LFRMP.

There are actions that apply across the whole of the OH LPD and actions that are specific to each of the 8 Potentially Vulnerable Areas (as defined under Section 13 of the Act) in the OH LPD, which are shown below in Figure 1.

Figure 1: The Outer Hebrides Catchment Group with Potentially Vulnerable Areas identified Reproduced from Outer Hebrides Local Plan District Flood Risk Management Strategy, SEPA (December 2015)

15 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

The actions that apply to individual PVA across the OH LPD are shown overleaf in Figure 2. The summary of the assessment of progress is shown using the traffic light system, where each item is marked as Red, Amber or Green (RAG) and where:

 GREEN – Action has been delivered is on programme and within budget;  AMBER – Action is behind programme and/or over budget, but the key dates are still anticipated to be met.  RED – Action is behind programme and/or over budget, with key dates unlikely to be met and/or the outputs unlikely to achieve what was anticipated by the LFRMP.

16 Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

1 Flood protection scheme/works Natural flood management works New flood warning Flood protection study Natural flood management study PVA Surface water management plan/ study Strategic mapping and modelling Maintain flood protection scheme Maintain flood warning scheme Flood forecasting Property level protection scheme Community flood action groups Self help Awareness raising Maintenance Site protection plans Emergency plans/response Planning policies 02/01 A G G G G G G Ness, Isle of Lewis 02/02 A A G G G G G G G Stornoway 02/03 A G G G G G G Southern Harris 02/04 A A G G G G G G Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry 02/05 A A R G G G G G G North Uist 02/06 A A A R G G G G G G G Benbecula 02/07 A A R G G G G G G G Lochs Bi & Druidibeag 02/08 A A R G G G G G G G Bornish to Boisdale Figure 2: Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Potentially Vulnerable Areas of the Outer Hebrides

1 Note, natural flood management is included in some flood protection studies. Further detail is provided in individual PVAs. 17

Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Progress with LPD-wide Actions

This section sets out an assessment of the progress towards implementing actions that apply across the whole of the OH LPD over all years of the six-year Plan, which is presented in Figure 3 overleaf.

Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Delivery Action Status Description Interim progress Planned actions to complete Lead SEPA has continued to operate the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service (SFFS) Partnership with the Met Office with daily, SEPA will continue and improve national Flood Guidance Statements the Scottish Flood Forecasting issued to Category 1 and 2 agencies Service (SFFS) with the Met Office, (such as emergency responders, local with daily Flood Guidance authorities and other organisations with Statements and regional Flood flooding management duties) and Alerts issued as required to enable Flood regional Flood Alerts issued to the public. G SEPA Ongoing. communities and responders to forecasting Each daily statement gives an reduce the impacts of flooding. assessment of the risk of flooding for the SEPA is currently exploring options next five days to enable these to develop a public version of the organisations to put preparations in daily Flood Guidance Statement place to reduce the impact of flooding. to provide better and earlier SEPA’s Flood Alert service is freely information to the public. available to everyone and enables communities to be aware and prepared to reduce the impacts of flooding. Where premises are subject to Everyone is responsible for protecting historical flooding the owners are CnES to review current responses themselves and their property from aware of their responsibilities and CnES, to ensure clear advice and easy flooding. Property and business owners that flood damage can be Self help G asset/land to find advice is available to the can take simple steps to reduce damage reduced by suitable provision and managers public, i.e., web based and disruption to their homes and maintenance of drainage and information. businesses should flooding happen flood protection infrastructure, including property level 19

APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

protection.

General information is made available as part of the existing Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Council awareness raising activities.

There are no existing specific council budgets for funding self help works. Local authorities have a duty to assess watercourses and carry out clearance If watercourses are considered as and repair works where such works would requiring clearance and repair substantially reduce flood risk. They CnES are to consider watercourses assessments. CnES will require to produce schedules of clearance and that could benefit from clearance produce schedules of clearance repair works and make these available and repair works. Where risks are CnES, and repair works and these will be for public inspection. Scottish Water identified CnES will co-ordinate Maintenance G asset/land made available on request. undertakes risk based inspection and with landowners and other managers repairs on the public sewer network. responsible authorities and any Scottish Water will continue to Asset owners and riparian landowners remedial works will be carried out undertake risk based inspection are responsible for the maintenance and as appropriate. and repair of the public sewer management of their own assets system. including those which help to reduce flood risk. Providing an emergency response to Category WIEPCG (Western Isles Emergency WIEPCG currently meets prior Emergency flooding is the responsibility of many 1 and 2 Planning and Co-ordinating winter to discuss potential issues G plans/response organisations, including CnES, the responder Group) provides a framework for and preparedness to and after emergency services and SEPA. s / all category 1 and 2 responders to winter to review responses to

20 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

WIEPCG respond to an emergency. The emergency situations or discuss local resilience partnership, any other issues. Uist and Barra Western Isles Emergency Planning are represented by a sub-group Co-ordinating Group (WIEPCG) and following the retirement of the prepares for and responds to chairperson the group and a brief flooding and the actions required period of not meeting the group is by the Local Authority, Police and meeting again after this winter. Coastguard: SEPA has provided presentations about its role in flood forecasting and warning to the main group and Uist sub-group. SEPA has delivered a range of SEPA will continue to raise awareness raising activities awareness of flood risk through through campaigning, education campaigning, developing activities and partnership delivery. education and engagement tools, We have run national and local creating new partnerships and SEPA (from 2016) will engage with the digital and direct engagement improving the flood warning and community through local participation in campaigns to raise awareness of forecasting service. Many of our CnES, national initiatives, including partnership flood risk and SEPA’s flood warning awareness raising activities Awareness SEPA, G working with Neighbourhood Watch service, Floodline. We publish and currently underway will continue. Raising Scottish Scotland. In addition, SEPA will engage publicise an electronic newsletter Our focus will be on promoting Water with local authorities and community (Flooding Gateway) four times a flood warning and forecasting resilience groups where appropriate. year which is distributed to a wide service, innovation, education audience. We are working with and engagement with partners, Education Scotland and Scottish customers and the public. Raising Government Resilience team to Awareness among the general embed flooding awareness within public will build on the existing the Curriculum for Excellence, and partnership with the WIEPCG

21 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

resilience partners in Safer during the development and Communities programmes. We ultimately the launch of the new have also developed an online coastal flood warning scheme for tool that helps everyone share the Outer Hebrides. information on current flooding issues (Report-a-Flood). We have Through the Western Isles worked in partnership with local Emergency Planning Co- authorities, emergency services ordinating Group (WIEPCG), SEPA and community organisations (e.g. has also established active and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, direct links with key individuals and Citizens Advice Scotland and partners creating a solid others) to share our resources and foundation for raising awareness help to promote preparedness with the public as a whole. Raising and understanding of how we Awareness among the general manage flood risk in Scotland. We public will build on this partnership have actively supported the during the development and Scottish Flood Forum and worked ultimately the launch of the new closely with UK agencies to coastal flood warning scheme for develop joint flooding information. the Outer Hebrides (2020). SEPA sits on the Western Isles Emergency Planning Co- Scottish Water is continuing to ordinating Group (WIEPCG), the support SEPA and Local Authorities local resilience partnership: This in their awareness raising activities. group prepares for and responds General awareness raising is to flooding and the actions carried out through the Scottish required by the Local Authority, Water website and national Police and Coastguard: SEPA has advertising campaigns to increase provided presentations about its public awareness of the

22 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

role in flood forecasting and implications of their actions on warning to the main group and sewer flooding. For site specific Uist sub-group. Through this group capital projects and local studies, SEPA has also established active targeted public engagement is and direct links with key individuals being carried out at a local level. and partners creating a solid foundation for raising awareness with the public as a whole. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as the local Comhairle nan Eilean Siar flood risk planning authority, will ensure that will work directly with planners to appropriate policies and measures are ensure that appropriate policies put in place to ensure that the council and measures are put in place so Planning Policy takes account of the that the council planning policy objective to avoid increasing flood risk takes account of the objective of and to reduce flood risk. flood avoidance and flood reduction. Comhairle Scottish Planning Policy and nan Eilean Planning accompanying Planning Advice Notes Outer Hebrides Local Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as the G Siar – Development Plan 2018 adopted Policies set out Scottish minister’s priorities for the planning authority, will ensure Planning November 2018 operation of the planning system and for through ongoing monitoring and Authority the development and use of land. review that policies in the Local Development Plan and associated In terms of flood risk management the guidance remain current and will policy supports a catchment-scale take account of these objectives. approach to sustainable flood risk management and aims to build SEPA’s land use planning activities resilience of our coasts and islands. will be coordinated with the Under this approach, new development activities of other responsible

23 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

in areas with medium to high likelihood of authorities as required. flooding should be avoided. Scottish Water is a statutory For further information on the application consultee within the planning of national planning policies (see system and is invited to comment Planning Policy EI 1: Flooding of the Outer on detailed or ‘in principle’ Hebrides Local Development Plan 2018 planning applications which are and Annex 4 of the Outer Hebrides Local referred to it by Comhairle nan Flood Risk Management Plan). Eilean Siar.

Applications for developments have requirements to address flooding and drainage in a suitable way,

Applications for proposals within or closely bordering a medium to high risk flood area (1:200 year extents) as identified by reference to SEPA dataset (cross referenced to the 5m AOD contour for coastal flood risk), a flood risk assessment or other suitable information such as site and finished floor levels which demonstrate compliance with Scottish Planning Policy is required

SEPA has a statutory role in relation to the provision of flood risk advice to planning authorities. This role is expressed in

24 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Section 72 of the FRM Act, 2009. SEPA also has a duty to co-operate with planning authorities in the preparation of development plans. When consulted in relation to planning applications for development or site allocations in development plans, and where the planning authority considers there may be a risk of flooding, SEPA will provide advice. The advice provided by SEPA will be with respect to the risk of flooding and on the basis of the relevant information it holds which is suitable for planning purposes. It will also be in line with the principles and duties set out in the FRM act.

Further information about how SEPA engage in the planning system, including guidance on flood risk and planning is available on the SEPA website http://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/lan d/planning/. Figure 3: Progress with LPD-wide Actions for the Outer Hebrides

25 Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Progress with PVA-specific Actions

This section sets out an assessment of the progress towards implementing actions that are specific to each of the 8 PVA as shown in Figure 2. Assessments of the progress of actions within each PVA are presented.

There are no specific actions identified for ‘property level protection scheme’ and ‘site protection plans’ actions. Consideration of property level protection schemes will be included in the ‘flood protection study’ and/or ‘emergency plans/response’ actions. Site protection plans will be identified through these same ‘study’ actions and also ‘planning policies’ action.

Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Ness, Isle of Lewis (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/01)

Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis and Harris coastal

Summary of Progress for Ness, Isle of Lewis There are fewer than 10 residential properties and non‐residential properties at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are approximately £2,500 with the majority caused by river flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/01 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐lfrmp.pdf

A LiDAR survey of the Western Isles is being carried out (subject to weather conditions) to provide improved survey data for coastal flood maps. The survey data gathered will also be available to inform other flooding related actions.

There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018.

APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in Ness, Isle of Lewis

PVA Flood protections scheme/works Natural flood management works New flood warning Flood protection study Natural flood management study Surface water plan/study Strategic mapping and modelling Maintain flood protection scheme* Maintain flood warning Flood forecasting Property level protection scheme Community flood action groups Self help Awareness raising Maintenance Site protection plans Emergency plans/response Planning policies 02/01 A G G G G G G

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Ness, Isle of Lewis (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/01) Status (Red; Delivery Start End Planned actions to Action Description Interim progress Amber; Lead date date complete Green) SEPA has been scoping data requirements of a flood forecasting system SEPA will continue to collect for the Outer Hebrides tidal level data and The area under consideration covers and has been working determine the requirements the coastline of the Outer Hebrides. A with partner organisations of the flood forecasting New flood warning A flood forecasting system will be SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 (Comhairle nan Eilean system that will support the required before flood warnings can Siar). Two new tidal future introduction of a flood be implemented for this area. monitoring sites have warning service in the Outer been installed at Hebrides. Berneray and Eriskay. A LiDAR survey has been

28 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

procured. Hydrological information The Scottish Flood Forecasting is provided by SEPA and Service initiative produces daily, meteorological national flood guidance statements information is provided by SEPA will look to use LiDAR which are issued to Category 1 and 2 Flood forecasting G SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 the Met Office. SEPA uses survey information to better responders. The flood guidance this information to predict inform their flood forecasts. statements provide an assessment of the likelihood and timing the risk of flooding for a five day of river, coastal and period, surface water flooding. Property and business owners can take simple steps to reduce damage and disruption to their homes and businesses should flooding happen. Self help actions will be Self help is coordinated This includes preparing flood plan co-ordinated with those through the Local Planning and flood kit, installing property level of the Comhairle and District (LPD). protection, signing up to Floodline other responsible CnES, and Resilient Communities initiatives authorities and other Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will Self help G asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 and ensuring that properties and actions, in particular with assist, support and educate, managers businesses are insured against flood ‘awareness’ raising, as appropriate, property and damage. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar ‘community flood action business owners to protect will assist, support and educate, as groups’ and ‘emergency themselves and their property appropriate, property and business plans/response’ actions.. form flooding. owners to protect themselves and their property from flooding, which is their responsibility. SEPA (from 2016) will engage with the CnES, Specific opportunities for Awareness raising G 2016/17 2021/22 Ongoing. community through local SEPA, engagement around the

29 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

participation in national initiatives, Scottish development of a flood including partnership working with Water protection study for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland. In Stornoway in cycle 1. addition, SEPA will engage with local authorities and community resilience New coastal flood warning groups where possible. scheme planned for autumn 2019 launch. Maintenance actions of the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has a duty responsible authorities will be to assess watercourses and carry out co-ordinated with each other clearance and repair works where and with other actions as such works would substantially CnES, Maintenance is an necessary. Where relevant Maintenance G reduce flood risk. asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 ongoing action. and appropriate, managers maintenance activities of Scottish Water undertakes risk based other asset owners may be inspection, maintenance and repair coordinated through other on the public sewer network. local groups. Providing an emergency response to Emergency planning is an flooding is the responsibility of many Cat 1 & 2 ongoing action with The existing plans and Emergency G organisations including Comhairle responders 2016/17 2021/22 systems reviewed and arrangements are within the plans/response nan Eilean Siar, the emergency / WIEPCG improved regularly or in Local Resilience Partnership. services and SEPA. light to major incidents. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as the SEPA are consulted on a Comhairle local planning authority, will ensure planning application where nan Eilean Outer Hebrides Local that appropriate policies and the development is likely to Planning Policy G Siar – 2016/17 2021/22 Development Plan 2018 measures are put in place to ensure result in a material increased Planning adopted November 2018 that the council Planning Policy takes in the number of buildings at Authority account of the objective to avoid risk of being damaged by

30 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

increasing flood risk and to reduce flooding before the flood risk. application is determined.

Developers are advised to take into account flood risk and the further ability of occupiers to insure development before committing to a site or project as applicants and occupiers have responsibility for safeguarding their property.

31 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Stornoway (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/02)

Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis and Harris coastal

Summary of Progress for Stornoway There are approximately 20 residential properties and 70 non‐residential properties are at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are estimated to be £210,000 with the majority caused by coastal flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/02 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐ lfrmp.pdf

Work on developing a tender for the flood study is ongoing.

A LiDAR survey of the Western Isles is being carried out (subject to weather conditions) to provide improved survey data for

coastal flood maps. © Crown copyright. SEPA licence number 100016991 (2015). All rights reserved. Reproduced from Outer Hebrides Flood Risk Management Strategy, SEPA (December 2015). Scottish Water will undertake further investigation and modelling in the Stornoway sewer catchments.

There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018.

The Braighe has required to be closed on occasion.

32 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in Stornoway

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Stornoway (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/02) Status (Red; Planned actions to Action Description Delivery Lead Start date End date Interim progress Amber; complete Green) SEPA has been scoping data requirements of a The area under SEPA will continue to flood forecasting system consideration covers the collect tidal level data and for the Outer Hebrides and coastline of the Outer determine the has been working with Hebrides. A flood requirements of the flood New flood partner organisations A forecasting system will be SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 forecasting system that will warning (Comhairle nan Eilean required before flood support the future Siar). Two new tidal warnings can be introduction of a flood monitoring sites have been implemented for this warning service in the installed at Berneray and area. Outer Hebrides. Eriskay. A LiDAR survey has been procured.

33 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

A study is needed to confirm the business case and determine the extent and size of defences required. The study will focus on options of constructing new or improving existing direct defences around the harbour area (in particular Cromwell Street) and along the northern edge of The Comhairle is gathering The study will be sent out Flood Protection Stornoway, improvements Comhairle nan information and to tender once tender A 2016/17 2018/19 Study to the existing flap valve Eilean Siar developing study tender documentation has been on the outfall of the documents. finalised. unnamed watercourse through the Goat Hill area, consideration of property level protection for any residual flood risk.

The study will also include the existing hard defences, comprising of rock revetments and concrete walls, in the centre of the PVA where

34 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

the Eye Peninsula narrows and joins the main island, extending from Mealabost to Aiginis. Improvements to the existing flood defence walls either side of the A866 on the isthmus between Stornoway and the Eye peninsula (the Braigh area) could significantly reduce flooding and wave overtopping on the A866. There are existing defences (Portnaguran) and dunes which extend outwith the PVA which will also be considered in any solution. Scottish Water will Mar 2018: Scottish Water Scottish Water will carry undertake further finalised licensing for S16 out an assessment of flood investigation and data. Survey is out with Strategic risk within the highest risk modelling in the local authorities to mapping and G Scottish Water 2016/2017 2019/2020 sewer catchments to Stornoway sewer determine best format to modelling improve knowledge and catchments to improve supply data. In general understanding of surface knowledge and sewer mapping is water flood risk. understanding of flood risk progressing as scheduled.

35 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

in this area as required Mar 2017: Section 16 under Section 16 of the assessments scheduled for Flood Risk Management completion as follows; (Scotland) Act 2009 Stornoway 01/06/2019.

Jan 2017: All 200 section 16 studies have now been programmed and the first six outputs have been signed off by SEPA, with another seven ready and awaiting sign off. All outputs are scheduled to come in within dates outlined in FRM strategies. The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service Hydrological information is initiative produces daily, provided by SEPA and national flood guidance meteorological SEPA will look to use LiDAR statements which are information is provided by Flood survey information to G issued to Category 1 and SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 the Met Office. SEPA uses forecasting better inform their flood 2 responders. The flood this information to predict forecasts. guidance statements the likelihood and timing of provide an assessment of river, coastal and surface the risk of flooding for a water flooding. five day period, Property and business CnES, asset/land Self help actions will be co- Self help is coordinated Self help G 2016/17 2021/22 owners can take simple managers ordinated with those of the through the Local Planning

36 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

steps to reduce damage Comhairle and other District (LPD). and disruption to their responsible authorities and homes and businesses other actions, in particular Comhairle nan Eilean Siar should flooding happen. with ‘awareness’ raising, will assist, support and This includes preparing ‘community flood action educate, as appropriate, flood plan and flood kit, groups’ and ‘emergency property and business installing property level plans/response’ actions.. owners to protect protection, signing up to themselves and their Floodline and Resilient property form flooding. Communities initiatives and ensuring that properties and businesses are insured against flood damage. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will assist, support and educate, as appropriate, property and business owners to protect themselves and their property from flooding, which is their responsibility. SEPA (from 2016) will Specific opportunities for engage with the engagement around the Awareness community through local CnES, SEPA, development of a flood G 2016/17 2021/22 Ongoing. raising participation in national Scottish Water protection study for initiatives, including Stornoway in cycle 1. partnership working with

37 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Neighbourhood Watch New coastal flood warning Scotland. In addition, scheme planned for SEPA will engage with autumn 2019 launch. local authorities and community resilience groups where possible. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has a duty to assess Maintenance actions of watercourses and carry the responsible authorities out clearance and repair will be co-ordinated with works where such works each other and with other would substantially actions as necessary. CnES, asset/land Maintenance is an Maintenance G reduce flood risk. 2016/17 2021/22 Where relevant and managers ongoing action. appropriate, maintenance Scottish Water undertakes activities of other asset risk based inspection, owners may be maintenance and repair coordinated through other on the public sewer local groups. network. Providing an emergency response to flooding is the Emergency planning is an The existing plans and responsibility of many Cat 1 & 2 ongoing action with Emergency arrangements are within G organisations including responders / 2016/17 2021/22 systems reviewed and plans/response the Local Resilience Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, WIEPCG improved regularly or in Partnership. the emergency services light to major incidents. and SEPA. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Comhairle nan Outer Hebrides Local SEPA are consulted on a Planning Policy G 2016/17 2021/22 as the local planning Eilean Siar – Development Plan 2018 planning application

38 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

authority, will ensure that Planning Authority adopted November 2018 where the development is appropriate policies and likely to result in a material measures are put in place increased in the number of to ensure that the council buildings at risk of being Planning Policy takes damaged by flooding account of the objective before the application is to avoid increasing flood determined. risk and to reduce flood risk. Developers are advised to take into account flood risk and the further ability of occupiers to insure development before committing to a site or project as applicants and occupiers have responsibility for safeguarding their property.

39 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Southern Harris (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/03)

Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Lewis and Harris coastal

Summary of Progress for Southern Harris There are Fewer than 10 residential properties and around 10 non‐residential properties are at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are approximately £130,000 with the majority caused by coastal flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/03 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐ lfrmp.pdf

There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018. © Crown copyright. SEPA licence number 100016991 (2015). All rights reserved. There was a substantial landslip after heavy rainfall in August 2017 which blocked the road to Leverburgh. Reproduced from Outer Hebrides Flood Risk Management Strategy, SEPA (December 2015).

40 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in Southern Harris

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Southern Harris (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/03) Status (Red; Planned actions to Action Description Delivery Lead Start date End date Interim progress Amber; complete Green) SEPA has been scoping data SEPA will continue to The area under requirements of a collect tidal level data consideration covers the flood forecasting and determine the coastline of the Outer system for the Outer requirements of the flood New flood Hebrides. A flood Hebrides and has A SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 forecasting system that warning forecasting system will be been working with will support the future required before flood partner organisations introduction of a flood warnings can be (Comhairle nan warning service in the implemented for this area. Eilean Siar). Two new Outer Hebrides. tidal monitoring sites have been installed

41 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

at Berneray and Eriskay. A LiDAR survey has been procured. Hydrological The Scottish Flood information is Forecasting Service initiative provided by SEPA produces daily, national and meteorological flood guidance statements information is SEPA will look to use which are issued to provided by the Met LiDAR survey information Flood forecasting G Category 1 and 2 SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 Office. SEPA uses this to better inform their responders. The flood information to predict flood forecasts. guidance statements the likelihood and provide an assessment of timing of river, coastal the risk of flooding for a five and surface water day period, flooding. Property and business Self help actions will Self help is coordinated owners can take simple be co-ordinated with through the Local steps to reduce damage those of the Planning District (LPD). and disruption to their Comhairle and other homes and businesses responsible Comhairle nan Eilean should flooding happen. CnES, asset/land authorities and other Siar will assist, support Self help G 2016/17 2021/22 This includes preparing flood managers actions, in particular and educate, as plan and flood kit, installing with ‘awareness’ appropriate, property property level protection, raising, ‘community and business owners to signing up to Floodline and flood action groups’ protect themselves and Resilient Communities and ‘emergency their property form initiatives and ensuring that plans/response’ flooding.

42 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

properties and businesses actions.. are insured against flood damage. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will assist, support and educate, as appropriate, property and business owners to protect themselves and their property from flooding, which is their responsibility. SEPA (from 2016) will engage with the community through local participation in national initiatives, including partnership New coastal flood Awareness working with CnES, SEPA, warning scheme G 2016/17 2021/22 Ongoing. raising Neighbourhood Watch Scottish Water planned for autumn 2019 Scotland. In addition, SEPA launch. will engage with local authorities and community resilience groups where possible. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Maintenance actions of has a duty to assess the responsible watercourses and carry out CnES, asset/land Maintenance is an authorities will be co- Maintenance G 2016/17 2021/22 clearance and repair works managers ongoing action. ordinated with each where such works would other and with other substantially reduce flood actions as necessary.

43 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

risk. Where relevant and appropriate, Scottish Water undertakes maintenance activities of risk based inspection, other asset owners may maintenance and repair on be coordinated through the public sewer network. other local groups. Providing an emergency Emergency planning response to flooding is the is an ongoing action The existing plans and responsibility of many Cat 1 & 2 with systems Emergency arrangements are within G organisations including responders / 2016/17 2021/22 reviewed and plans/response the Local Resilience Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, WIEPCG improved regularly or Partnership. the emergency services in light to major and SEPA. incidents. SEPA are consulted on a planning application where the development Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, is likely to result in a as the local planning material increased in the authority, will ensure that number of buildings at appropriate policies and Comhairle nan Outer Hebrides Local risk of being damaged measures are put in place Eilean Siar – Development Plan Planning Policy G 2016/17 2021/22 by flooding before the to ensure that the council Planning 2018 adopted application is Planning Policy takes Authority November 2018 determined. account of the objective to

avoid increasing flood risk Developers are advised and to reduce flood risk. to take into account flood risk and the further ability of occupiers to

44 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

insure development before committing to a site or project as applicants and occupiers have responsibility for safeguarding their property.

45 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/04)

Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar North Uist coastal

Summary of Progress for Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry There are fewer than 10 residential and non‐residential properties at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are approximately £61,000 with the majority caused by coastal flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/04 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐lfrmp.pdf

Work on developing a tender for the flood study is ongoing.

© Crown copyright. SEPA licence number 100016991 (2015). All rights reserved. Reproduced from Outer Hebrides Flood Risk There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018. Management Strategy, SEPA (December 2015). Each of these events caused some isolated road flooding issues.

46 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/04) Status (Red; Planned actions to Action Description Delivery Lead Start date End date Interim progress Amber; complete Green) SEPA has been scoping data SEPA will continue to requirements of a collect tidal level data The area under consideration flood forecasting and determine the covers the coastline of the system for the Outer requirements of the Outer Hebrides. A flood New flood Hebrides and has flood forecasting A forecasting system will be SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 warning been working with system that will support required before flood partner the future introduction warnings can be organisations of a flood warning implemented for this area. (Comhairle nan service in the Outer Eilean Siar). Two new Hebrides. tidal monitoring sites

47 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

have been installed at Berneray and Eriskay. A LiDAR survey has been procured. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will undertake a flood protection study for Lochmaddy & Trumisgarry to be completed by the end of the 2019/20 financial year. The study will review the interaction between the tide and inland watercourses via a culvert through a short The Comhairle is The study will be sent causeway section adjacent gathering Flood Protection Comhairle nan out to tender once A to Loch an Sticir and west of 2016/17 2019/20 information and Study Eilean Siar tender documentation the Newton junction. The developing a study has been finalised. culvert has a tidal flap valve tender brief. and the study will determine who is responsible for maintenance of the flap valve. The causeway is part of the B893 road which is the sole vehicular link to the Berneray to Leverburgh ferry from south of Newton. Other actions may also be

48 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

considered to develop the most sustainable range of options. Development of the business case for the works will be undertaken as part of the study, this will focus on disruption to traffic during high risk flood events. Hydrological information is The Scottish Flood Forecasting provided by SEPA Service initiative produces and meteorological daily, national flood information is SEPA will look to use guidance statements which provided by the Met LiDAR survey Flood forecasting G are issued to Category 1 and SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 Office. SEPA uses information to better 2 responders. The flood this information to inform their flood guidance statements provide predict the forecasts. an assessment of the risk of likelihood and timing flooding for a five day period, of river, coastal and surface water flooding. Property and business owners Self help actions will Self help is coordinated can take simple steps to be co-ordinated through the Local reduce damage and with those of the Planning District (LPD). CnES, asset/land Self help G disruption to their homes and 2016/17 2021/22 Comhairle and other managers businesses should flooding responsible Comhairle nan Eilean happen. This includes authorities and other Siar will assist, support preparing flood plan and actions, in particular and educate, as

49 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

flood kit, installing property with ‘awareness’ appropriate, property level protection, signing up to raising, ‘community and business owners to Floodline and Resilient flood action groups’ protect themselves and Communities initiatives and and ‘emergency their property form ensuring that properties and plans/response’ flooding. businesses are insured against actions.. flood damage. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will assist, support and educate, as appropriate, property and business owners to protect themselves and their property from flooding, which is their responsibility. Specific opportunities SEPA (from 2016) will engage for engagement with the community through around the local participation in national development of a flood initiatives, including protection study for the partnership working with Awareness CnES, SEPA, B893 in North Uist in G Neighbourhood Watch 2016/17 2021/22 Ongoing. raising Scottish Water cycle 1. Scotland. In addition, SEPA

will engage with local New coastal flood authorities and community warning scheme resilience groups where planned for autumn possible. 2019 launch. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has CnES, asset/land Maintenance is an Maintenance actions of Maintenance G 2016/17 2021/22 a duty to assess watercourses managers ongoing action. the responsible

50 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

and carry out clearance and authorities will be co- repair works where such ordinated with each works would substantially other and with other reduce flood risk. actions as necessary. Where relevant and Scottish Water undertakes risk appropriate, based inspection, maintenance activities maintenance and repair on of other asset owners the public sewer network. may be coordinated through other local groups. Providing an emergency Emergency planning response to flooding is the is an ongoing action The existing plans and responsibility of many Cat 1 & 2 with systems Emergency arrangements are G organisations including responders / 2016/17 2021/22 reviewed and plans/response within the Local Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the WIEPCG improved regularly Resilience Partnership. emergency services and or in light to major SEPA. incidents. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as SEPA are consulted on the local planning authority, a planning application will ensure that appropriate where the policies and measures are Comhairle nan Outer Hebrides development is likely to put in place to ensure that Eilean Siar – Local Development result in a material Planning Policy G 2016/17 2021/22 the council Planning Policy Planning Plan 2018 adopted increased in the takes account of the Authority November 2018 number of buildings at objective to avoid increasing risk of being damaged flood risk and to reduce flood by flooding before the risk. application is

51 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

determined.

52 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

North Uist (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/05)

Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar North Uist coastal

Summary of Progress for North Uist There are fewer than 10 residential and non‐residential properties at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are estimated to be £87,000 with the majority caused by coastal flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/05 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐lfrmp.pdf

Work on developing a tender for the flood study is ongoing.

© Crown copyright. SEPA licence number 100016991 (2015). All rights reserved. There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018. Reproduced from Outer Hebrides Flood Risk Management Strategy, SEPA (December 2015). Each of these events caused some isolated road flooding issues.

53 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in North Uist

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the North Uist (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/05) Status (Red; Planned actions to Action Description Delivery Lead Start date End date Interim progress Amber; complete Green) SEPA has been scoping data SEPA will continue to The area under requirements of a collect tidal level data consideration covers the flood forecasting and determine the coastline of the Outer system for the Outer requirements of the New flood Hebrides. A flood forecasting Hebrides and has flood forecasting A SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 warning system will be required been working with system that will support before flood warnings can partner organisations the future introduction be implemented for this (Comhairle nan Eilean of a flood warning area. Siar). Two new tidal service in the Outer monitoring sites have Hebrides. been installed at

54 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Berneray and Eriskay. A LiDAR survey has been procured. Further investigation into the feasibility of reducing wave overtopping through direct defences at the Baleshare causeway is required. The causeway is the only access between Baleshare and North Uist. Development of the business case for the works will be undertaken as part of the study, this will The Comhairle is The study will be sent focus on disruption to traffic Flood protection Comhairle nan gathering information out to tender once A during high risk flood events. 2018 2020 study Eilean Siar and developing a tender documentation A dune management plan is study tender brief. has been finalised. to be developed for the machair and sand dunes on the west coast of North Uist to cover natural flood management including wave attenuation and considering the long term stability of the coastline and flood risk management. Other actions may also be considered to develop the

55 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

most sustainable range of options. A tender to acquire Further investigation topographic data for into the feasibility of the Outer Hebrides has reducing wave been awarded; this is overtopping through required in advance of direct defences at the a modelling study. Baleshare causeway

is required. A dune It is anticipated that the management plan is technical specification to be developed for for modelling and the machair and sand SEPA will be seeking to mapping of this dunes on the west develop the flood hazard coastline will be Strategic coast of North Uist to mapping in the South Uist to developed prior to the mapping and R SEPA 2016/2017 2019/2020 cover natural flood North Uist area to improve end of Cycle 1. Due to modelling management understanding of the coastal the geographical including wave flood risk. extent and technical attenuation and complexity of this considering the long action combined with term stability of the the availability of SEPA coastline and flood resources, it is not risk management. anticipated that this will Other actions may progress to a study prior also be considered to to Cycle 2. develop the most

sustainable range of Where practical, options. opportunities will be

56 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

sought to align the delivery of this project with the development of a Flood Warning scheme. Hydrological The Scottish Flood information is Forecasting Service initiative provided by SEPA and produces daily, national meteorological flood guidance statements SEPA will look to use information is which are issued to LiDAR survey provided by the Met Flood forecasting G Category 1 and 2 SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 information to better Office. SEPA uses this responders. The flood inform their flood information to predict guidance statements forecasts. the likelihood and provide an assessment of timing of river, coastal the risk of flooding for a five and surface water day period, flooding. Property and business Self help actions will Self help is coordinated owners can take simple be co-ordinated with through the Local steps to reduce damage those of the Planning District (LPD). and disruption to their Comhairle and other homes and businesses responsible authorities Comhairle nan Eilean CnES, asset/land Self help G should flooding happen. This 2016/17 2021/22 and other actions, in Siar will assist, support managers includes preparing flood particular with and educate, as plan and flood kit, installing ‘awareness’ raising, appropriate, property property level protection, ‘community flood and business owners to signing up to Floodline and action groups’ and protect themselves and Resilient Communities ‘emergency their property form

57 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

initiatives and ensuring that plans/response’ flooding. properties and businesses actions.. are insured against flood damage. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will assist, support and educate, as appropriate, property and business owners to protect themselves and their property from flooding, which is their responsibility. Specific opportunities SEPA (from 2016) will engage for engagement with the community through around the local participation in development of a flood national initiatives, including protection study for the partnership working with CnES, SEPA, Baleshare causeway in Awareness raising G Neighbourhood Watch 2016/17 2021/22 Scottish Water North Uist in cycle 1. Scotland. In addition, SEPA

will engage with local New coastal flood authorities and community warning scheme resilience groups where planned for autumn possible. 2019 launch. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Maintenance actions of has a duty to assess the responsible CnES, asset/land Maintenance is an Maintenance G watercourses and carry out 2016/17 2021/22 authorities will be co- managers ongoing action. clearance and repair works ordinated with each where such works would other and with other

58 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

substantially reduce flood actions as necessary. risk. Where relevant and appropriate, Scottish Water undertakes maintenance activities risk based inspection, of other asset owners maintenance and repair on may be coordinated the public sewer network. through other local groups. Providing an emergency Emergency planning response to flooding is the is an ongoing action The existing plans and responsibility of many Cat 1 & 2 Emergency with systems reviewed arrangements are G organisations including responders / 2016/17 2021/22 plans/response and improved within the Local Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, WIEPCG regularly or in light to Resilience Partnership. the emergency services and major incidents. SEPA. SEPA are consulted on a planning application Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as where the the local planning authority, development is likely to will ensure that appropriate result in a material policies and measures are Comhairle nan Outer Hebrides Local increased in the put in place to ensure that Eilean Siar – Development Plan Planning policies G 2016/17 2021/22 number of buildings at the council Planning Policy Planning 2018 adopted risk of being damaged takes account of the Authority November 2018 by flooding before the objective to avoid application is increasing flood risk and to determined. reduce flood risk.

Developers are advised

59 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

to take into account flood risk and the further ability of occupiers to insure development before committing to a site or project as applicants and occupiers have responsibility for safeguarding their property.

60 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Benbecula (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/06)

Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Benbecula Coastal

8 Summary of Progress for Benbecula There are approximately 110 residential properties and 10 non‐residential properties at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are estimated to be £560,000 with the majority caused by coastal flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/04 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐lfrmp.pdf

Work on developing a tender for the flood study is ongoing.

A LiDAR survey of the South Ford area has been carried out as part of the South Ford Flood Protection scheme. Tidal re‐

modelling of the South Ford is about to be undertaken using the survey data collected to help finalise the design of the

There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018. The December 2018 events caused flooding to both commercial and domestic premises in Balivanich.

61 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in Benbecula

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Benbecula (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/06) Status (Red; Planned actions to Action Description Delivery Lead Start date End date Interim progress Amber; complete Green) A new flood protection Using newly obtained scheme is to be developed LiDAR data the JBA for the South Ford area and hydraulic models the southern coast of An initial design of the carried out in 2005 is to Benbecula. scheme has been be re-run to inform the Flood protections prepared. A LiDAR detailed design process. A CnES 2016/17 2020/21 scheme The scheme will comprise of survey has been Costs for works to the construction of flood carried out. provide larger openings embankments at Liniclate, to the South Ford shingle bank Causeway are being restoration/beach recharge investigated.outwith the at Gualan Island, sand flood risk management

62 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

dune/machair restoration to process. the west of Liniclate and may also include property level protection for any residual risk.

The flood protection scheme will be constructed to a standard of 1 in 100 years (locally 1 in 200 years) and will include an allowance for climate change. SEPA has been scoping data requirements of a flood forecasting SEPA will continue to system for the Outer The area under consideration collect tidal level data Hebrides and has covers the coastline of the and determine the been working with Outer Hebrides. A flood requirements of the New flood partner organisations A forecasting system will be SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 flood forecasting system warning (Comhairle nan required before flood that will support the Eilean Siar). Two new warnings can be future introduction of a tidal monitoring sites implemented for this area. flood warning service in have been installed the Outer Hebrides. at Berneray and Eriskay. A LiDAR survey has been procured.

63 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

A study is needed to confirm the business case and determine the extent and size of defences required. The study will be focused on Balivanich, but will also confirm the feasibility of defences in the Uachdar area. The study will investigate the need for The Comhairle is The study will be sent out Flood Protection direct defences, channel Comhairle nan gathering information to tender once tender A 2016/17 2018/19 Study modifications, improvements Eilean Siar and developing study documentation has to the floodgate on the tender documents. been finalised. Uachdar drainage system (coastal management action) and consideration of property level protection for any residual flood risk. Other actions may also be considered to develop the most sustainable range of options. SEPA will be seeking to A study is needed to A tender to acquire develop the flood hazard confirm the business topographic data for Strategic mapping in the South Uist to case and determine the Outer Hebrides has mapping and R SEPA 2016/2017 2019/2020 North Uist area to improve the extent and size of been awarded; this is modelling understanding of the coastal defences required. required in advance of flood risk. The extent and The study should be a modelling study.

64 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

timing of the completed focused on improvements will be Balivanich, but should It is anticipated that the dependent on detailed also confirm the technical specification scoping and data available. feasibility of defences for modelling and in the Uachdar area. mapping of this The study should coastline will be include direct developed prior to the defences, channel end of Cycle 1. Due to modifications, the geographical extent improvements to the and technical floodgate on the complexity of this action Uachdar drainage combined with the system (coastal availability of SEPA management action) resources, it is not and consideration of anticipated that this will property level progress to a study prior protection for any to Cycle 2. residual flood risk. Other actions may Where practical, also be considered to opportunities will be develop the most sought to align the sustainable range of delivery of this project options. with the development of a Flood Warning scheme. The Scottish Flood Forecasting Hydrological SEPA will look to use Flood forecasting G Service initiative produces SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 information is LiDAR survey information daily, national flood provided by SEPA to better inform their

65 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

guidance statements which and meteorological flood forecasts. are issued to Category 1 and information is 2 responders. The flood provided by the Met guidance statements provide Office. SEPA uses this an assessment of the risk of information to predict flooding for a five day period, the likelihood and timing of river, coastal and surface water flooding. Action Groups were formed Local groups such as following the widespread local community damage caused by the As the LFRMP progresses, groups and the hurricane storm of January local groups will Iochdar Flood Action 11th 2005. The Iochdar Flood continue to be a point Group retain an Action Group actively CnES / of contact and link Community flood interest in the LFRMP G lobbied the Scottish Community 2016/17 2021/22 between the local action groups plan and will be Government, CnES and land groups community and consulted with as the owners and other bodies and responsible authorities LFRMP progresses went a long way in achieving delivering the plans consistent with its objectives for storm actions. statutory consultation damage repairs and requirements.. improvements. Property and business owners Self help actions will Self help is coordinated can take simple steps to be co-ordinated with through the Local CnES, reduce damage and those of the Planning District (LPD). Self help G asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 disruption to their homes and Comhairle and other managers businesses should flooding responsible authorities Comhairle nan Eilean happen. This includes and other actions, in Siar will assist, support

66 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

preparing flood plan and particular with and educate, as flood kit, installing property ‘awareness’ raising, appropriate, property level protection, signing up to ‘community flood and business owners to Floodline and Resilient action groups’ and protect themselves and Communities initiatives and ‘emergency their property form ensuring that properties and plans/response’ flooding. businesses are insured against actions.. flood damage. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will assist, support and educate, as appropriate, property and business owners to protect themselves and their property from flooding, which is their responsibility. Specific opportunities for SEPA (from 2016) will engage engagement around with the community through the construction of a local participation in national flood protection initiatives, including scheme for South Ford in partnership working with cycle 1. Awareness CnES, SEPA, Ongoing. G Neighbourhood Watch 2016/17 2021/22 raising Scottish Water Scotland. In addition, SEPA Specific opportunities for will engage with local engagement around authorities and community the development of a resilience groups where flood protection study possible. for the Balivanich and Uachdar in Benbecula

67 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

in cycle 1.

New coastal flood warning scheme planned for autumn 2019 launch.

Two flood action groups. Significant local and press interest in South Ford Maintenance actions of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has the responsible a duty to assess watercourses authorities will be co- and carry out clearance and ordinated with each repair works where such works other and with other would substantially reduce CnES, actions as necessary. Maintenance is an Maintenance G flood risk. asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 Where relevant and ongoing action. managers appropriate, Scottish Water undertakes risk maintenance activities based inspection, of other asset owners maintenance and repair on may be coordinated the public sewer network. through other local groups. Providing an emergency Emergency planning The existing plans and Cat 1 & 2 Emergency response to flooding is the is an ongoing action arrangements are within G responders / 2016/17 2021/22 plans/response responsibility of many with systems reviewed the Local Resilience WIEPCG organisations including and improved Partnership.

68 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the regularly or in light to emergency services and major incidents. SEPA. SEPA are consulted on a planning application where the development is likely to result in a material increased in the number of buildings at risk of being Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as damaged by flooding the local planning authority, before the application is will ensure that appropriate determined. Comhairle nan Outer Hebrides Local policies and measures are put Eilean Siar – Development Plan Planning policies G in place to ensure that the 2016/17 2021/22 Developers are advised Planning 2018 adopted council Planning Policy takes to take into account Authority November 2018 account of the objective to flood risk and the further avoid increasing flood risk ability of occupiers to and to reduce flood risk. insure development before committing to a site or project as applicants and occupiers have responsibility for safeguarding their property. Lochs Bi & Druidibeag (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/07) Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment

69 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar South Uist coastal

Summary of Progress for Lochs Bi & Druidibeag There are approximately 30 residential properties and fewer than 10 non‐residential properties at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are estimated to be £240,000, with the majority caused by coastal flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/02 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐ lfrmp.pdf

A LiDAR survey of the Western Isles is being carried out (subject to weather conditions) to provide improved survey data for coastal flood maps.

There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018. © Crown copyright. SEPA licence number 100016991 (2015). All rights reserved. Each of these events caused some isolated road flooding issues. Reproduced from Outer Hebrides Flood Risk Management Strategy, SEPA (December 2015).

70 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in Lochs Bi & Druidibeag

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Lochs Bi & Druidibeag (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/07) Status (Red; Delivery Planned actions to Action Description Start date End date Interim progress Amber; Lead complete Green) A new flood protection Using newly obtained scheme is to be developed LiDAR data the JBA for the South Ford area and hydraulic models the southern coast of An initial design of the carried out in 2005 is to Benbecula. scheme has been be re-run to inform the Flood protections prepared. A LiDAR detailed design A CnES 2016/17 2020/21 scheme The scheme will comprise of survey has been carried process. the construction of flood out. Costs for works to embankments at Liniclate, provide larger openings shingle bank to the South Ford restoration/beach recharge Causeway are being at Gualan Island, sand investigated.outwith

71 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

dune/machair restoration to the flood risk the west of Liniclate and management process. may also include property level protection for any residual risk.

The flood protection scheme will be constructed to a standard of 1 in 100 years (locally 1 in 200 years) and will include an allowance for climate change. SEPA has been scoping data requirements of a SEPA will continue to flood forecasting system The area under collect tidal level data for the Outer Hebrides consideration covers the and determine the and has been working coastline of the Outer requirements of the with partner New flood Hebrides. A flood forecasting flood forecasting A SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 organisations (Comhairle warning system will be required system that will support nan Eilean Siar). Two before flood warnings can the future introduction new tidal monitoring be implemented for this of a flood warning sites have been installed area. service in the Outer at Berneray and Eriskay. Hebrides. A LiDAR survey has been procured. Strategic SEPA will be seeking to Further investigation into Detailed design for a mapping and R develop the flood hazard SEPA 2016/2017 2019/2020 the operation of the flood protection modelling mapping in the South Uist to existing sluice gates is scheme for the South

72 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

North Uist area to improve recommended to Fords area is understanding of the coastal determine their impact progressing. The South flood risk. The extent and on flood risk and the Fords Scheme aims to timing of the completed feasibility of improving reduce flood risk on improvements will be their operation for this South Uist as well as the dependent on detailed purpose southern coast of scoping and data available. (installation/modification Benbecula. The of river control structures scheme will likely action). A dune include the management plan is to construction of be developed for the embankments, beach machair and sand recharge at Gualan dunes on the west coast Island, sand of South Uist to cover dune/machair natural flood restoration and may management, including also include property wave attenuation and level protection for any considering the long residual risk. The flood term stability of the protection scheme coastline and flood risk would be constructed management. Other to a standard of 1 in actions may also be 100 years (locally 1 in considered to develop 200 years) and will the most sustainable include an allowance range of options. for climate change. An option to relieve flooding by creating larger openings in the

73 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

South Fords causeway is also being considered by the local authority with the encouragement of local community groups. The viability and funding for this option is being investigated outwith the flood risk management process. The Scottish Flood Hydrological information Forecasting Service initiative is provided by SEPA and produces daily, national meteorological flood guidance statements SEPA will look to use information is provided which are issued to LiDAR survey by the Met Office. SEPA Flood forecasting G Category 1 and 2 SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 information to better uses this information to responders. The flood inform their flood predict the likelihood guidance statements forecasts. and timing of river, provide an assessment of coastal and surface the risk of flooding for a five water flooding. day period, Action Groups were formed Local groups such as As the LFRMP following the widespread CnES / local community groups progresses, local groups Community flood G damage caused by the Community 2016/17 2021/22 and the Iochdar Flood will continue to be a action groups hurricane storm of January groups Action Group retain an point of contact and 11th 2005. The Iochdar Flood interest in the LFRMP link between the local

74 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Action Group actively plan and will be community and lobbied the Scottish consulted with as the responsible authorities Government, CnES and land LFRMP progresses delivering the plans owners and other bodies consistent with statutory actions. and went a long way in consultation achieving its objectives for requirements.. storm damage repairs and improvements. Property and business owners can take simple steps to reduce damage and disruption to their homes and businesses should Self help is coordinated Self help actions will be flooding happen. This through the Local co-ordinated with those includes preparing flood Planning District (LPD). of the Comhairle and plan and flood kit, installing other responsible property level protection, Comhairle nan Eilean CnES, authorities and other signing up to Floodline and Siar will assist, support Self help G asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 actions, in particular with Resilient Communities and educate, as managers ‘awareness’ raising, initiatives and ensuring that appropriate, property ‘community flood action properties and businesses and business owners to groups’ and are insured against flood protect themselves and ‘emergency damage. Comhairle nan their property form plans/response’ actions.. Eilean Siar will assist, support flooding. and educate, as appropriate, property and business owners to protect themselves and their

75 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

property from flooding, which is their responsibility. Specific opportunities for engagement around the construction of a flood SEPA (from 2016) will engage protection scheme for with the community through South Ford in cycle 1. local participation in

national initiatives, including New coastal flood partnership working with Awareness warning scheme G Neighbourhood Watch 2016/17 2021/22 Ongoing. raising planned for autumn Scotland. In addition, SEPA 2019 launch. will engage with local

authorities and community Two flood action resilience groups where groups. possible.

Note significant press and local interest in South Ford Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Maintenance actions has a duty to assess of the responsible watercourses and carry out authorities will be co- CnES, clearance and repair works Maintenance is an ordinated with each Maintenance G asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 where such works would ongoing action. other and with other managers substantially reduce flood actions as necessary. risk. Where relevant and appropriate,

76 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Scottish Water undertakes maintenance activities risk based inspection, of other asset owners maintenance and repair on may be coordinated the public sewer network. through other local groups. Providing an emergency response to flooding is the Emergency planning is The existing plans and responsibility of many Cat 1 & 2 an ongoing action with Emergency arrangements are G organisations including responders / 2016/17 2021/22 systems reviewed and plans/response within the Local Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, WIEPCG improved regularly or in Resilience Partnership. the emergency services and light to major incidents. SEPA. SEPA are consulted on a planning application where the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as development is likely to the local planning authority, result in a material will ensure that appropriate increased in the policies and measures are Comhairle Outer Hebrides Local number of buildings at put in place to ensure that nan Eilean Siar Development Plan 2018 risk of being damaged Planning Policy G 2016/17 2021/22 the council Planning Policy – Planning adopted November by flooding before the takes account of the Authority 2018 application is objective to avoid determined. increasing flood risk and to reduce flood risk. Developers are advised to take into account flood risk and the further ability of

77 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

occupiers to insure development before committing to a site or project as applicants and occupiers have responsibility for safeguarding their property.

78 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Bornish to Boisdale (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/08)

Local Plan District Local authority Main catchment Outer Hebrides Comhairle nan Eilean Siar South Uist coastal

Summary of Progress for Bornish to Boisdale There are approximately 30 residential and fewer than 10 non‐residential properties at risk of flooding. The Annual Average Damages are estimated to be £180,000 with around two‐thirds caused by river flooding. Further information can be found in the Outer Hebrides LFRMP under PVA 02/08 at the following link: https://www.cne‐siar.gov.uk/media/7596/oh‐lfrmp.pdf

Work on developing a tender for the flood study is ongoing.

A LiDAR survey of the South Ford area has been carried out as part of the South Ford Flood Protection scheme. Tidal re‐ modelling of the South Ford is about to be undertaken using the survey data collected to help finalise the design of the

scheme. © Crown copyright. SEPA licence number 100016991 (2015). All rights reserved. Reproduced from Outer Hebrides Flood Risk Management Strategy, SEPA (December 2015). There have been significant heavy rainfall events in early August 2017, September 2018 and at the end of December 2018. Each of these events caused some isolated road flooding issues. The August 2017 event in particular caused significant road flooding, most notably to the main road at Kildonan.

79 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Overview of actions to manage flooding in Bornish to Boisdale

Summary of progress of actions to manage flood risk in the Bornish to Boisdale (Potentially Vulnerable Area 02/08) Status (Red; Delivery Planned actions to Action Description Start date End date Interim progress Amber; Lead complete Green) SEPA has been scoping data SEPA will continue to requirements of a The area under consideration collect tidal level data flood forecasting covers the coastline of the and determine the system for the Outer Outer Hebrides. A flood requirements of the flood New flood Hebrides and has A forecasting system will be SEPA 2018/19 2019/20 forecasting system that warning been working with required before flood will support the future partner organisations warnings can be introduction of a flood (Comhairle nan implemented for this area. warning service in the Eilean Siar). Two new Outer Hebrides. tidal monitoring sites have been installed

80 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

at Berneray and Eriskay. A LiDAR survey has been procured. Further investigation into the operation of existing sluice gates/control structures is recommended to determine their impact on flood risk and the feasibility of improving their operation for this purpose (installation/modification of river control structures action). The business case for potential The Comhairle is improvements will be The study will be sent out Comhairle gathering information Flood protection developed as part of the to tender once tender A nan Eilean 2017/18 2018/19 and developing study study, confirming the number documentation has been Siar study tender of properties which may finalised. documents. benefit and any traffic disruption which could be avoided through improvements to existing structures. A dune management plan is to be developed for the machair and sand dunes on the west coast of South Uist to cover natural flood

81 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

management, including wave attenuation and considering the long term stability of the coastline and flood risk management. Other actions may also be considered to develop the most sustainable range of options. Following the A tender to acquire establishment of a topographic data for the coastal flood hazard Outer Hebrides has been map development awarded; this is required framework and in advance of a SEPA will be seeking to characterisation of modelling study. develop the flood hazard the coastline, several mapping in the South Uist to projects are currently It is anticipated that the North Uist area to improve underway at this technical specification Strategic understanding of the coastal location: for modelling and mapping and R SEPA 2016/2017 2019/2020 flood risk. The extent and mapping of this coastline modelling timing of the completed • Development of a will be developed prior to improvements will be national coastal joint the end of Cycle 1. Due dependent on detailed probability dataset; to the geographical scoping and data available. • Update to the UK extent and technical design extreme sea complexity of this action level dataset combined with the availability of SEPA These resources, it is not projects/datasets will anticipated that this will

82 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

inform a future progress to a study prior coastal modelling to Cycle 2. and mapping project for the Outer Where practical, Hebrides. opportunities will be sought to align the delivery of this project with the development of a Flood Warning scheme. Hydrological information is The Scottish Flood Forecasting provided by SEPA Service initiative produces and meteorological daily, national flood guidance information is SEPA will look to use statements which are issued to provided by the Met LiDAR survey information Flood forecasting G Category 1 and 2 responders. SEPA 2016/17 2021/22 Office. SEPA uses this to better inform their The flood guidance information to predict flood forecasts. statements provide an the likelihood and assessment of the risk of timing of river, flooding for a five day period, coastal and surface water flooding. Action Groups were formed Local groups such as As the LFRMP progresses, following the widespread local community local groups will continue damage caused by the CnES / groups and the to be a point of contact Community flood G hurricane storm of January Community 2016/17 2021/22 Middle District Flood and link between the action groups 11th 2005. The Middle District groups Action Group retain local community and Flood Action Group actively an interest in the responsible authorities lobbied the Scottish LFRMP plan and will delivering the plans

83 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Government, CnES and land be consulted with as actions. owners and other bodies and the LFRMP progresses went a long way in achieving consistent with its objectives for storm statutory consultation damage repairs and requirements. improvements. Property and business owners can take simple steps to reduce damage and disruption to their homes and businesses should flooding Self help actions will happen. This includes be co-ordinated with Self help is coordinated preparing flood plan and those of the through the Local flood kit, installing property Comhairle and other Planning District (LPD). level protection, signing up to responsible Floodline and Resilient CnES, authorities and other Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Self help G Communities initiatives and asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 actions, in particular will assist, support and ensuring that properties and managers with ‘awareness’ educate, as appropriate, businesses are insured against raising, ‘community property and business flood damage. Comhairle flood action groups’ owners to protect nan Eilean Siar will assist, and ‘emergency themselves and their support and educate, as plans/response’ property form flooding. appropriate, property and actions.. business owners to protect themselves and their property from flooding, which is their responsibility. Awareness raising G SEPA (from 2016) will engage 2016/17 2021/22 Ongoing Specific opportunities for

84 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

with the community through engagement around the local participation in national development of a flood initiatives, including protection study for South partnership working with Uist in cycle 1. Neighbourhood Watch Scotland. In addition, SEPA will New coastal flood engage with local authorities warning scheme planned and community resilience for autumn 2019 launch. groups where possible. Two flood action groups. Maintenance actions of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has the responsible a duty to assess watercourses authorities will be co- and carry out clearance and ordinated with each repair works where such works other and with other would substantially reduce CnES, Maintenance is an actions as necessary. Maintenance G flood risk. asset/land 2016/17 2021/22 ongoing action. Where relevant and managers appropriate, Scottish Water undertakes risk maintenance activities of based inspection, other asset owners may maintenance and repair on be coordinated through the public sewer network. other local groups. Providing an emergency Emergency planning response to flooding is the is an ongoing action The existing plans and Cat 1 & 2 Emergency responsibility of many with systems arrangements are within G responders / 2016/17 2021/22 plans/response organisations including reviewed and the Local Resilience WIEPCG Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the improved regularly or Partnership. emergency services and in light to major

85 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

SEPA. incidents. SEPA are consulted on a planning application where the development is likely to result in a material increased in the number of buildings at risk of being damaged by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as flooding before the the local planning authority, application is will ensure that appropriate Comhairle Outer Hebrides Local determined. policies and measures are put nan Eilean Development Plan Planning policies G in place to ensure that the 2016/17 2021/22 Siar – Planning 2018 adopted Developers are advised council Planning Policy takes Authority November 2018 to take into account account of the objective to flood risk and the further avoid increasing flood risk and ability of occupiers to to reduce flood risk. insure development before committing to a site or project as applicants and occupiers have responsibility for safeguarding their property.

86 Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Other actions

This section sets out details of additional significant actions undertaken in the LPD by local authorities to contribute to the implementation of the current actions in the plan and the achievement of the objectives in the plan.

In August 2017 there was significant Pluvial (Surface Water) Flooding across the Western Isles - particularly over South Uist and Barra - due to very heavy, intense rainfall. The hourly rainfall recorded on South Uist exceeded at the peak of the rainfall exceeded the highest previously recorded by the Met Office for the Western Isles.

CnES representatives met with the local councillors and members of the public affected by flooding in Barra. CnES then carried out initial repairs to damaged structures and is investigating whether mitigation actions are appropriate. The Isle of Barra will be added as a PVA in the next LFRMP cycle.

In South Uist there was deep flooding of public roads including the main road and several side roads.

In September 2018, heavy and prolonged rainfall caused a landslip at Tarbert on the Isle of Harris which blocked off the main road and had to be cleared by CnES.

There have also been a handful of winter storms across the Western Isles since the publication of the LFRMP but fortunately they have not caused significant damage or disruption outside of what would typically be expected.

APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

FRM Flood Risk Management ICS Integrated Catchment Study LFRMP Local Flood Risk Management Plan LPD Local Plan District NFM Natural Flood Management PVA Potentially Vulnerable Area Q&S Quality & Standards (Scottish Water) SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency SR10/15 Spending Review periods for 2010-2015 and 2016-2021 for Scottish Water capital maintenance expenditure SWMP Surface Water Management Planning OH Outer Hebrides

88 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Appendix 1: Flood risk management responsibilities in Scotland and the legal requirement for the publication of this INTERIM REPORT

89 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Flood risk management in Scotland

The Scottish Ministers, SEPA and responsible authorities must exercise their flood risk related functions with a view to reducing overall flood risk (reference Section 1(1) of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009).

Through the preparation of a national flood risk assessment and setting of objectives to reduce the level of flood risk by SEPA, which is published in Flood Risk Management Strategy, and the publication of Local Flood Risk Management Plan’s by ‘lead’ local authorities, which detail how and when the actions agreed to meet these objectives are to be done, SEPA and all responsible authorities must act to manage flood risk in a sustainable way.

Flood Risk Management Strategy for the Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan for the Outer Hebrides

Legal requirement

This document sets out the conclusions of the review of the Local Flood Risk Management Plan (LFRMP) for the Outer Hebrides Local Plan District (LPD) as required by Section 37 of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (the “Act”).

37 Local flood risk management plans: interim report (1) Not earlier than 2 years and not later than 3 years after a local flood risk management plan is finalised, the lead authority must — (a) Review the plan, and (b) publish a report on the conclusions of the review including information on the progress that has been made towards implementing the measures identified in the implementation part of the plan. (2) The lead authority must make copies of the report available for public inspection.

The OH LFRMP, which includes the ‘implementation part of the plan’, was published in June 2016. The Interim Report is therefore to be published between July 2018 and June 2019. The Interim Report will provide a summary of the LFRMP actions (‘measures’) and the proposed delivery timescales.

The information on progress will include:  an assessment of the progress towards implementing each of the actions;  reasons for any actions where delivery is not as planned; and  a description of arrangements planned to deliver the remaining actions and to address delayed actions.

90 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

The Interim Report is published by the ‘lead authority’ as defined by Section 34(9) of the Act in partnership with SEPA and the ‘responsible authorities’, as defined by Section 5 of the Act, will be in the LPD. The approval of the Interim Report will be in accordance with the agreed governance arrangements in the LPD. The responsible authorities for the OH LPD are:  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (lead authority)  Scottish Water.

The lead authority must also publish a Final Report on the LFRMP under Section 38 of the Act between July 2021 and June 2022 (not earlier than 5 years and not later than 6 years from the publication of the plan). The Final Report will provide an assessment of current actions and a summary of current actions not implemented, with reasons for their non-implementation. The Final Report will also include a description of any other measures implemented, which the lead authority considers have contributed to the achievement of the objectives summarised in the LFRMP.

Publication

The published Interim Report for the OH LFRMP will be made available for public inspection, as per Section 37(2) of the Act, via the website of the lead authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/; search for “Interim Report LFRMP”.

Links to the published Interim Report for the OH LFRMP will also be provided from Scottish Government, SEPA and other responsible authority websites.

A hard (paper) copy of the published Interim Report for the OH LFRMP is also available for public inspection on weekdays between 9am and 5pm at the following location(s):

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BW Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Council Offices, Old Primary School, West Tarbert, Isle of Harris, HS3 3BG Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Council Offices, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Council Offices, Castlebay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XD

Copies of the published Interim Report for the OH LFRMP may also be available at offices of other responsible authorities. It is advised that the responsible authority be contacted to make such arrangements.

Detailed arrangements for publication of the Interim Report for OH LFRMP are in Appendix 2.

91 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Appendix 2: Publication details (OH LPD example)

92 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 Publication of Interim Report for the Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan – Summary of Proposed Communications Activities

The following communications activities will be used to publicise and make the interim report available:

 Upon finalising the Interim Report for the Outer Hebrides Local FRM Plan, Sections 37(2), 53 and 54 of the Flood Act also specifically require Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as the lead authority, to

o Publish an Interim Report on the Outer Hebrides Local FRM Plan; o Make copies of the Interim Report available for public inspection free of charge and at all reasonable times; o Publicise the arrangements for making it available by means of a notice in the appropriate newspapers (at least one Scottish newspaper and such local newspapers within the LPD as considered appropriate)

 The Interim Report for the Outer Hebrides Local FRM Plan will be published in a hard copy format and a pdf version will also be made available on the Council’s website at https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/.

 Hard copies of the Interim Report for the Outer Hebrides Local FRM Plan will be held and made available upon request within the Council’s Area offices (in Tarbert, Balivanich and Castlebay) in a similar process to the public viewing of planning applications.

 A letter (with a pdf version on DVD) will be sent to SEPA and the Scottish Ministers.

 On or before the publication date [to be advised], public notices will be placed in the Local Press as appropriate for each area fulfilling our duties to publicise the Interim Report in accordance with Sections 37, 53 and 54 of the 2009 Act.

 In June 2016, letters were issued to each community council that falls within a PVA to notify them of the publication of the Outer Hebrides Local FRM Plan and how to access it both electronically and in hard copy. We will send these community councils a further letter to update and inform them of the publication of the Interim Report.

 Subject to the agreement of the Outer Hebrides LPD Partnership, a draft of the Interim Report will be uploaded to the Council’s web site at https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/. This web page will also be updated to give further information about the publication of the Interim Report. There is also a link to the SEPA Strategies from the Council’s webpage.

 Announcements will be posted on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar social media sites. These announcements will direct enquiries to the above Comhairle nan Eilean Siar flooding webpage in the first instance where there is text describing the 2009 Act and a link to the Outer Hebrides Local FRM plan. They can also access the FRM Strategies via a link provided on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar flooding pages.

93 APPENDIX - Outer Hebrides Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2022: INTERIM REPORT

 An e-mail will be sent to any Local resilience groups within a PVA.

 Information will be placed in any other publications which are considered appropriate (community magazines for instance).

SEPA and Scottish Water are also invited to advertise the publication of the Interim Report on their websites and via social media.

Any further communications activities are then up to each individual responsible authority based on their individual Communications and / or Consultation policies and procedures.