PUBLIC consultations on the outline design of a flood protection scheme to reduce flood risk to properties and wider infrastructure in Musselburgh begin next week.

A meeting will be held on Tuesday by the Esksides Area Local Consultation Group, and on Wednesday by the Coastal Area Local Consultation Group.

Both meetings will take place at the Esk Rooms at The Brunton and will be from 6pm until 8pm.

The scheme presented reports to meetings of East Lothian Council in August and October 2022.

READ MORE: Musselburgh flood protection scheme: Everything you need to know

The February consultations will provide details on a number of flood risk scenarios and then provide details on the likely heights of any new physical defences that would be required to provide protection against these flood risks.

Following these events, the community can then engage on the level of risk they consider appropriate to defend against, and also on the choice and look of proposed defences.

Conor Price, project manager, said: “This is the beginning of the design of the scheme.

“We are excited that East Lothian Council confirmed the need for this flood protection scheme last autumn, and have instructed us to finally get on with the process of actually designing the defences.

“It is our understanding that the people of the town are keen to see real design visions emerge from these consultations.

“Our team will be there to continue listening to the people of Musselburgh, and in this instance I want to highlight that we are clear that they wish to see an environmentally rich solution tailored to the landscape and including as many nature-based solutions as possible.

“The team will work to achieve this and will be tabling proposals to achieve a wider level of ‘river restoration’ along the corridor of the River Esk and coastal foreshore.”

The February events run alongside the main consultation evenings, which will be held in April and June.

A meeting will be held on April 18 with the Esksides Area Local Consultation Group; on April 19 with the Coastal Area Local Consultation Group; and on April 20 with the Edinburgh Road Local Area Consultation Group

Public exhibition days for everyone will run on June 20 and 21.

At the June event, the initial outline design will be presented and individuals, businesses and other interested parties will have the opportunity to seek clarification on aspects of the scheme and to provide feedback.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council leader, said: “It is vitally important that residents and businesses in Musselburgh have both the opportunities to seek clarification on the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme proposals and to have their views or concerns recorded.

“The design and eventual construction of a flood protection scheme is a complex process involving a range of factors and considerations.

“No final design has yet been produced, as this will require input and approval of the town’s residents and key stakeholders.

“I would urge those interested to discover more and express their views at the upcoming events.”

Go to musselburghfloodprotection.com for updated information on the progress of the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme, including a series of FAQs.