The council commissioned the study to assess the areas at risk of flooding from the Garrell, Colzium and Ebroch burns, and to help identify long-term solutions. Specialist modelling techniques were used to simulate different flood situations within the catchment, enabling identification of a preferred long-term flood prevention solution.

This involves construction of new flow control structures at the Garrell and Colzium burns, which could be operated remotely to divert water to the Mill Lade and onwards to Townhead Reservoir.

“The preferred option would deliver a good level of flood protection to the vast majority of Kilsyth, with a less than 1% risk of flooding in any year” said Nicole Paterson, Head of Environmental Assets.

“We have published a summary of the study carried out to inform this proposal, allowing local people and businesses to see clearly the process we have followed to reach this stage. This is a major project for both the council and Scottish Canals, which will see significant investment to deliver a long-term plan for Kilsyth.

“We have been collaborating with Scottish Canals for a number of years to consider the potential repurposing of their assets to support flood protection measures for Kilsyth. We will continue to develop this partnership further over the coming months as we work through the opportunities and technical considerations that are required to take the project forward.”

While the studies have been carried out, the council has been taking action to improve flood risk in Kilsyth in the short term. This has included removing 500 tonnes of silt from the Garrell Burn, between Burngreen and Stirling Road. Vegetation has also been cleared along the Ebroch Burn, between Burngreen and Stirling Road, ahead of plans for further silt removal.

At Dumbreck Local Nature Reserve extensive work is underway to renaturalise the Garrell Burn, improving the flow and natural habitats for local wildlife.

An update on the flood protection works will be provided to the Kilsyth Community Board in Summer 2022, following on from the presentation given earlier this month.