PLANS have been announced to pump more than £200,000 of funding for flood protection into Clydebank’s waterfront.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for a new 10-year strategy to protect Scotland’s most flood-prone communities during a visit to Newton Stewart, which was badly affected by winter storms.

The cash comes from a £240 million fund, which follows an agreement reached between the Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), which will deliver 40 new flood protection projects and support local flood management plans.

Clydebank’s SNP MSP Gil Paterson has welcomed the move, which is designed to protect 10,000 homes throughout the country from flooding and will see £242,000 of funding to West Dunbartonshire Council.

The national plan – announced by the First Minister earlier this week – will support local flood risk management plans, fund more than 130 flood protection studies and deliver 40 new flood protection projects across Scotland – protecting more than 10,000 homes.

Mr Paterson said: “Earlier this year, we saw the devastating effects flooding can have on local communities, and this new strategy will help protect households across Clydebank from the impact of future adverse weather.

“Investment in flood protection schemes and associated infrastructure is critical to protecting vulnerable householders, businesses and communities – and I am delighted to see the SNP in government working in partnership with local government on this important issue.

“The plan set out by the First Minister this week will give West Dunbartonshire Council the certainty it needs to deliver the actions set out in its Local Flood Risk Management Plans to help protect individuals, business and communities from the danger of flooding.”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the Scottish Government which will support a number of local flood prevention measures across West Dunbartonshire and also promote self-resilience among our communities.

“Residents have already seen the benefits of investing £3.5 million in the Knowle Burn flood alleviation project and will continue to focus our efforts on areas known to be flooding risks.

“Another major scheme is currently being designed for Gruggies Burn in Dumbarton which will further enhance the Council’s flood defences.”

Aberdeenshire will receive the highest amount of funding, with more than £7m donated to aid their flood defences, followed by Dundee City and Falkirk.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Last December is on record as the wettest and saw levels at rivers across Scotland overflow. When I visited Newton Stewart on New Year’s Eve I met local butchers Kenny and Yolanda Owen at John D Owen & Son on what would have been their busiest day.”

She added: “Tragically all their stock was knee deep in water which not only has a massive impact on the business but also on the wider community who were relying on them.

“As I walked down the high street what struck me was the resilience of this small community as they supported each other.

“Seven months on and the community have rallied round and businesses are getting back on their feet and returning to normal. However, the implications of the storm will be felt for a while yet and we need to work together to minimise any potential future disruption.

“This agreement will give local authorities the certainty they need to deliver the actions set out in their Local Flood Risk Management Plans to help protect individuals, business and communities from the danger of flooding.”