A MUSSELBURGH musician has penned a song in support of opponents of the controversial Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme (MFPS).

Douglas McNally, who lives near Fisherrow Harbour, has released Let My River Be, which was inspired by local residents who are against walls being constructed on the banks of the River Esk and coast as part of the scheme.

Opponents of the MFPS, which also includes the introduction of walls through the town centre, want it paused, claiming that not enough work has been carried out to find “natural solutions” instead.

They claim that less than a tenth of the outline design for the scheme used natural options.

The Musselburgh project aims to protect the town from flooding from the coast and the River Esk, which runs through its centre.

READ MORE: First look at how proposed Musselburgh flood defences could look

The Scottish Government will contribute 80 per cent of the cost of the scheme.

Current plans include 4.7km of flood walls, with 1.7km to be made of “flood embankments and hybrid structures”.

New design proposals for the scheme show that much of the flood walls proposed for areas around the River Esk have been reduced in height to one metre, to address concerns over their impact.

In January, East Lothian Council approved the outline design and the scheme has now advanced to the next stage, the formal consultation process, when there are further opportunities for people to lodge their views or objections.

A report has revealed that the current estimate for the scheme is now £53.9 million, with two additional projects – covering, repairing and maintaining the sea wall at the town’s ash lagoons, and parts of the Musselburgh Active Toun, which will deliver new active travel infrastructure in partnership with Sustrans – adding a further £78.6 million to the overall work planned for the town.

READ MORE: Opposition to flood protection plan gathers momentum

Speaking about his song, Mr McNally, a former pupil of Whitecraig Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School, said: “I hope the lyrics speak for themselves but it mainly came about after hearing the continuing cries from the local residents stating they did not want the wall put up, as well as ruining a landscape that has survived countless years and taking down ancient trees that have been here longer.”

He added: “The song was also brought about by the fact that most of the people desperate to put up the wall in the area most likely do not reside in Musselburgh.”

He stressed that local residents would have to look at the structures on a daily basis.

Mr McNally added: “Coming from somewhat of a musical family, I studied music whilst and after leaving school and played in local bands around this period.

“I have been interested in music all my life really, with guitar being my instrument of choice, although I do play everything on my musical releases.

“I never really thought about songwriting until many years later, after being able to produce and release music at home became a serious option.”

Mr McNally has released other songs, including You Make Me Wanna Cry, Will You Still Be Around and Cowboy Boots And Jeans Kinda Guy.

To listen to Let My River Be, search for ‘Douglas McNally Let My River Be’ on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all popular streaming platforms, or go to Spotify via shorturl.at/gkwL7 to hear the song.

Let My River Be lyrics

A little man he came to my hometown

For he has a plan to take the river down

Then go back to his castle on the glen

And look back down upon me once again

Let, oh let my river be

Let, oh let my river be

Don’t take away the splendour, as far as I can see

Let, oh let my river be

The little man we could not make him see

So he came back once again to fell the trees

Who have stood through ancient times in all their wonder and their glory

And when they’re gone will never get to pass along their story

Let, oh let my river be

Let, oh let my river be

Don’t take away the splendour, as far as I can see

Let, oh let my river be

Let, oh let my river be

Let, oh let my river be

Don’t take away the splendour, as far as I can see

Let, oh let my river be

Don’t take away the splendour, as far as I can see

Let, oh let my river be

Let, oh let my river be