The £11 million project will see the construction of a 2km flood defence between the Caledonian Canal and the Soldiers Bridge on the River Lochy. The project has been designed by the Highland Council to increase the flood protection to over 300 properties in Caol and Lochyside communities.

The first phase of work will involve the installation of site cabins in proximity to Seaview along with a satellite compound near the shinty clubhouse. Once established the contractor will install heras fencing in the respective work areas, ensuring at all times access is maintained for the local community and stakeholders.

The project will be constructed in phases, these being service diversions, site clearance, drainage installation, earthworks, flood defence structures, surfacing and finally landscaping and reinstatement.

The community will be informed of further details of these and traffic management arrangements through locally held liaison meetings over the next month and throughout the project, the Highland Council project website, community Facebook pages and on noticeboards located around the local community.

Councillor Ben Thompson said: “Local community input into the scheme has been very helpful and I am pleased that work on site is now due to start. Construction of such a major flood protection scheme will no doubt create disruption so I am glad Highland Council and RJ McLeod staff will be holding regular and frequent community liaison meetings, as well as having progress updates posted on a dedicated flood scheme website and on social media.

“It is important that residents are clear what to expect and are able to communicate easily with the contractor. We all want to see flood protection for Caol and Lochyside in place asap with any disruption well managed.”

RJ McLeod has a number of local members of staff who have engaged with the local colleges, high schools and the job centre regarding potential employment and training opportunities. Once the team are established on the site they will be engaging with local primary schools providing educational support and careers inspiration.

With regards to prospects for the local suppliers and contractors a virtual meet the buyer event is planned to be held on September 7, details of which will be posted on the Highland Council project website.