Latest News Archive
Debris removal from town’s footbridges following 1 in 30-year flood event
East Lothian Council deployed resources to clear the significant debris built-up around the town’s footbridges in June 2024 following the 1 in 30-year flood event on 23rd May 2024.
For more information, please visit Project Updates.
Newsletter No.6
The latest edition of the Scheme’s newsletter will be hitting EH21 doorsteps. Please visit Newsletters to view and download your digital copy.
Archaeological Geophysical Survey work
Due to Musselburgh’s historic nature, East Lothian Council have engaged Archaeological Research Services Ltd (ARS Ltd) to undertake a Geophysical Survey (specifically magnetometry) throughout Musselburgh from 3rd to 7th June 2024.
Visit Project Updates for more information.
River Esk Himalayan Balsam Bashing Day
The Project Team are working with East Lothian Countryside Rangers to hold a Himalayan Balsam Bashing Day on the 20th May 2024. Come along to learn more about the Invasive Non-native Species and how to safely remove Himalayan Balsam.
Visit Project Updates for more information.
Publication of the Proposed Scheme
The Proposed Scheme was published on 21st March 2024 in accordance with The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 and The Flood Risk Management (Flood Protection Schemes, Potentially Vulnerable Areas and Local Plan Districts) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (as Amended).
The flood order notice, Scheme documents and Environmental Impact Assessment Report are now available to view at Proposed Scheme.
Musselburgh Coastal Change Assessment
On 23rd January 2024, the Project Team presented an update on the Musselburgh Coastal Change Assessment undertaken by Dynamic Coast to council. The final report is now available via this website at Project Updates.
Newsletter No.5
The latest edition of the Scheme’s newsletter will be hitting EH21 doorsteps. Please visit Newsletters to view and download your digital copy.
Whole catchment approach to Invasive Non-native Species (INNS)
The Scheme is working with others to help manage INNS in the whole River Esk catchment. Visit Project Updates to find out what took place during the INNS Steering group meeting in February and how you can get involved.
Presenting the Outline Design to meeting of Full Council – January 2024
The Outline Design of the Scheme will be presented to a meeting of Full Council on 23rd January 2024. This will include the Outline Design developed since the Public Exhibition in June 2023, and a summary of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Please visit Project Updates to find out more and view the Key View visualisations contained within the EIA.
Project next steps between now and January 2024
The Project Team would like to thank the town for all your engagement this year as we continue to evolve the design. Please visit Project Updates for information about the next steps for the project between now and January 2024.
Public Exhibition June 2023 Feedback Report now available online
Please visit Public Exhibition No.2 to read the Project Team’s report summarising the event and evaluating the feedback on the Scheme’s design as presented in June 2023.
Natural Solutions
Following the October 2023 meeting of full council, the Project Team have published the Eddleston Water Project report on Natural Flood Management. Please visit Natural Solutions to read the report and learn more about the Scheme’s proposals.
Newsletter No. 4
The latest edition of the Scheme’s newsletter will be hitting EH21 doorsteps. Please visit Newsletters to view and download your digital copy.
Project Team attend East Lothian Mean Business Event
The Project Team joined the East Lothian Means Business event last week. Visit Project Updates for more information about the event.
East Lothian Means Business 2023
Join the Scheme at the council’s East Lothian Means Business 2023 to get advice, support and hear about the various opportunities available to your business in East Lothian. Visit Project Updates for more information about the event.
Newsletter No.3
The latest edition of the Scheme’s quarterly Project Update Newsletter (August 2023) will be delivered to residents and businesses in Musselburgh in the coming weeks. Visit Newsletters to view and download your digital copy.
Drop-in Consultations at the Brunton Hall Recommenced – August 2023
The Project Team returned to the Brunton Hall to hold drop-in consultations with the public on the 11th August 2023. Click here for more information.
Further Drop-in Consultations announced for the Brunton Hall
Following your feedback, and the results of our Online poll, we are pleased to announce that the Drop-in Consultation at the Brunton will continue for the remainder of 2023. The days and times for the consultations have been arranged to allow for as many as possible to attend. Please visit Drop-in Consultation Dates Announced – Second Half 2023 for more information.
Outline Design
The Scheme is currently in its Project Stage 4 – Outline Design. The first vision of the Outline Design was presented in June 2023 at a two-day Public Exhibition at Eskmills Venue.
Visit Outline Design for more information about this Project Stage.
Natural Solutions
Visit Natural Solutions to find out more information about Natural Flood Management, Nature-based Solutions, Sustainable Flood Management and Blue-green Infrastructure; as well as what natural solutions have been proposed within the Outline Design presented in June 2023.
Would you like to see drop-in consultations continue?
The Project Team held drop-in consultations at the Brunton Hall on Fridays, 10am to 1pm, from February to June 2023. As we plan for the next phase of consultation, we are eager to hear your thoughts. Please use our poll to let us know what form you would like drop-in consultations to take.
Visit Drop-in Consultation Poll to have your say.
Public Exhibition No.2 – Event materials available online
Information on the initial Outline Design shown at the Scheme’s June 2023 Public Exhibition is now available online.
The Project Team are collecting your feedback to help us refine the design. Please submit your thoughts through our feedback survey.
Please visit Public Exhibition No.2 – June 2023
Public Exhibition No.2 – Last Day of Event 21st June 2023
The Scheme’s June 2023 Public Exhibition will conclude tonight at 8pm. We encourage you to come along to view the initial Outline Design and provide your feedback.
Click the links bellow to find out more information about the event.
Last Day of Public Exhibition – June 2023
Public Exhibition – Directions to Event
Public Exhibition No.2 – June 2023
Scheme’s new Interactive Flood Risk Map
Please visit Flood Risk to find out about the Scheme’s current and most up-to-date flood model for Musselburgh, Model C. This page now includes a new Interactive Flood Risk Map where you can navigate the town and select from the layers of data presented to better understand the threat extents to Musselburgh by flooding.
Public Exhibition No .2: Provide your feedback on the initial Outline Design
The Scheme’s Public Exhibition is currently ongoing between 20th and 21st June 2023 to present to the public the first vision of the Outline Design.
If you did not have a moment to complete our feedback survey at the event, you can complete it online. Please visit Public Exhibition No.2 – June 2023 to provide your thoughts on the initial design.
Directions to Public Exhibition – June 20th & 21st 2023
The Project Team are holding the upcoming Public Exhibition on June 20th and 21st 2023, from 10am to 8pm at Eskmills Venue.
For information on how to get to the venue, please click Public Exhibition – Directions.
April 2023 Local Area Consultations Concluded
The Project Team have concluded the April 2023 Local Area Consultations. You can click the links below to view the materials from the events.
Local Area Consultation – Esksides Area (Esk Corridor)
Local Area Consultation – Fisherrow & Mountjoy Area (Coastal Foreshore)
Newsletter No .2
The latest edition of the Scheme’s quarterly Project Update Newsletter (May 2023) will be delivered to residents and businesses in Musselburgh in the coming weeks. Visit Newsletters to view and download your digital copy.
New Location Announced for upcoming Public Exhibition
The Scheme’s Public Exhibition in June will now be held at the Eskmills Venue. Please visit New Location Announced for upcoming Public Exhibition for more information.
Friday Drop-in Consultations Continue
The Project Team will continue to be at The Brunton Hall on Friday mornings to host drop-in consultations. Visit Friday Drop-in Consultations Continue to find out more.
Project Team speak with the Musselburgh Conservation Society about the Scheme
Project Manager, Conor Price, delivered an update to the Musselburgh Conservation Society on Thursday 13th April 2023. To find out more and view the presentation from the night, please visit Project Team speak with the Musselburgh Conservation Society.
New Location Announced for April 2023 Local Area Consultations
Due to the temporary closure of the Brunton Theatre’s Esk Rooms, the Scheme’s upcoming April Local Area Consultations will now be held at the Fisherrow Centre. Find out more information at New Location Announced for April 2023 Local Area Consultations.
No Scheme Drop-in Consultation on Good Friday
The Scheme’s drop-in consultation will not take place on Good Friday, April 7th 2023, at the Brunton Theatre. Friday 14th April will also be the last drop-in consultation before the upcoming Local Area Consultations. Click here to find out more and download the resources.
Scheme’s Public Consultation Events Unaffected by Brunton Theatre Inspection
This week the Brunton Theatre announced closure of some of its venues due to roof structural issues. The Project Team are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update the public regarding the upcoming consultation events.
Visit Scheme’s Public Consultation Events Unaffected by Brunton Theatre Inspection for more information.
Musselburgh Courier: Flood defence plan on its way
Project Manager, Conor Price, recently spoke with the Musselburgh Courier about the developing flood defence plans and the upcoming Public Exhibition No.2. Visit Musselburgh Courier: Flood defence plan on its way for more information.
Local Area Consultation: Form of Defence Animations
Local Area Consultation – Esk Corridor and Local Area Consultation – Coastal Foreshore now include animations of the various forms of defences presented at the consultations on February 7th and 8th 2023. Click the links to view the animations and see other resources from the events. You can also come and speak with the Project Team at The Brunton Theatre on Friday’s, 10am to 1pm, about the Scheme. Click here for more information about our Friday Consultations.
New Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available
As the Scheme progresses, and consultation continues to evolve, the Project Team will have new information made available to them. In order to keep you up to date, we will continue to refresh our FAQs with the latest information and archived the previous questions should you wish to refer back to them. Click here to view the new FAQs and FAQ Archive.
February 2023 Local Area Consultations Esksides and Fisherrow / Mountjoy Areas Concluded
The Project Team have now concluded the February 2023 Local Area Consultation – Esksides (Esk Corridor) and Local Area Consultation – Fisherrow / Mountjoy (Coastal Foreshore). Please click the links below to view the materials from the events.
Further Consultation Opportunities Announced
With the formal commencement of the Outline Design Consultation now underway, the Project Team will be at The Brunton Theatre on Fridays from 10am to 1pm. Please click here for more information.
Update from the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme – January 2023
Click here to find out more information on our plans for 2023, the Report to Council in October 2022, upcoming consultation dates, and more.
Newsletter No.1
The first edition of the Scheme’s quarterly newsletter was issued to residents and business in Musselburgh in January 2023. Click here to keep up to date.
New Public Consultation Dates for First Half of 2023
The Scheme are on target to present the finalised Outline Design to Council in January 2024. The Project Team will be returning to consult with Local Area Consultation groups and will have the second major, formal public consultation, Public Exhibition No.2, in 2023. Please click here for more information.
Scheme to provide further update to Full East Lothian Council Meeting – October 2022
The Scheme will provide a further report to Full East Lothian Council on the 25th October. For more information on this meeting, including links to the report and live-stream please visit Project Updates.
Full East Lothian Council Meeting: Consultation remains key component of the Scheme’s progression
Click here to view the latest update from East Lothian Council following the full Council meeting on August 23rd, 2022.
23 August 2022 – Council Approve the next steps for the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme
The Team are now in a position to develop the next steps for the Project further to the instruction provided by the Council today. For more information please visit Project Updates.
27th July 2022 – Briefing held for Elected Representatives of the Musselburgh Area
To view the summary of the Elected Representatives briefing from July 2022, please click here.
Whole Town Consultation Event – March 8th Report Now Available
The Project Team have now concluded the Whole Town Consultation Event – March 8th Report. Visit Musselburgh Area Consultation March 8th 2022 to read and download a copy.
Scheme Update – Summer 2022
In July 2022, the Scheme Project Board agreed to take a report to a meeting of the full East Lothian Council. This meeting will take place on 23rd August 2022 and will address several matters. For more information about this meeting, including links to the Report and Live-stream on the 23rd August, please visit Project Updates.
Upcoming Event – March 8th 2022
The Scheme is once again returning to The Brunton, this time to consult with the whole town at our Musselburgh Area Consultation on March 8th. The event is a drop-in session running from 10am to 8pm. You can find out more information at Musselburgh Area Consultation – March 8th 2022. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts.
NEW Information on Flood Model and Natural Solutions
The Project Team have now provided more information on the Scheme’s Hydraulic Model, and also the Scheme’s approach to finding Natural Solutions.
Please visit Modelling and Natural Solutions to read more.
Information on Flood Model and Natural Solutions
The Project Team wish to highlight that they recognise a significant desire from people in Musselburgh for more information on the Scheme’s Hydraulic Model, and also the Scheme’s approach to finding Natural Solutions.
In recognition, the Project Team have determined it appropriate to develop two new individual web pages dedicated to these themes. The Project Team commit to publish these pages week ending 4th March 2022.
Major Update to Scheme Website Undertaken
The Project Team have provided access to the full Preferred Scheme report and its Appendices, as well as the Report to Cabinet on the ‘Preferred Scheme’ which was submitted in January 2020. These can be downloaded from the Preferred Scheme page. Please note that these download files are very large, for the best experience the Project Team would recommend using a laptop or computer.
The following new pages have also been published:
- Public Open Day & Call for Historical Information – February 2019
- Public Exhibition No. 1- July 2019
- Local Area Consultation – Fisherrow Promenade
- Local Area Consultation – Goosegreen
- Local Area Consultation – Esksides
- Local Area Consultation – Eskmills
- Local Area Consultation – Inveresk
- An updated News page and new pages to house Project Updates, Press Release and Scheme Newsletters
Keeping the town up-to-date
To keep up-to-date with the Scheme, please visit News for regular updates on the project, press releases and newsletters.
NEW Local Area Consultation pages available
In 2019, the Project Team hosted an Open Day and Call For Information in February and the first Public Exhibition in July. All information from these events is now live. Please click the links to find out more.
NEW details including event timings announced for March 8th Consultation
Following agreement with the wider team and partners, we are pleased to update stakeholders with the following details in advance of the March 8th Consultation to be held at Venue 1, The Brunton Theatre.
The Project Team and partners from SEPA, The Musselburgh Active Toun Project and East Lothian Council Emergency Planning will be available from 10am – 8pm* to introduce people to the Scheme, answer your questions, provide practical advice on flooding, and listen to your feedback on the opportunities and risks associated with the Scheme.
Please note that this event will be a drop-in session, there is no need to attend for the whole duration. Those with children and young families are encouraged to bring them along, the Brunton is fully accessible for those with prams, wheelchair users or other mobility needs. If you require any adjustments to be made in order to participate please contact us ASAP via the Contact Us page so that we can discuss these with you.
*Please note that whilst representatives from the MFPS will be there for the duration, some partners may not be.
Thank you for attending Local Area Consultations
Thank you to those who attended the Local Area Consultation on River Esk and Coastal Defences at The Brunton Theatre on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th February. The Project Team greatly appreciates the contributions of members of the public as we begin the journey of shaping the Scheme. We look forward to welcoming the town on 8th March when the Scheme will be holding a Whole Town Consultation. More details about this event will be published on the website in due course.
The Project Team have now upload all of the materials from these events, including a summary document. Please visit Local Area Consultation – Esk Corridor and Local Area Consultation – Coastal Foreshore for more information.
New FAQs
Following extensive consultation since September 2021, the project team have now assembled a list of FAQs which are hoped will address some of the key concerns that have been raised to us by the people of Musselburgh. updated. Please visit the page for more information.
Next public consultation events at The Brunton Theatre confirmed
The Council and Project Team will continue the process of consulting the Local Area Groups this February. We are collecting thoughts and ideas before we start the actual design. Please join us for an update and so you can contribute to the process, or to learn more.
Local Area Consultation on River Esk Defences – Venue One
Tuesday 8th February, 2022 from 6pm to 9:30pm
Local Area Consultation on Coastal Defences – Venue Two
Wednesday 9th February, 2022 from 6pm to 9:30pm
Publication of the Scheme’s Flood Maps
The Scheme’s Flood Maps are printed outputs from its Hydraulic Model. This Hydraulic Model has been in development since early 2018. The Project Team presented a draft output from the model during the Public Exhibition No. 1 in July 2019 (this model was known as Model A). At that point it was clearly identified that the model would be further developed during later 2019 and into 2020 – this revised model was termed Model B. This process is now complete, and the new flood maps for Model B can be found on our Flood Risk page.
The Scheme’s new Website Goes Live
The Scheme’s project team have launched the new Scheme website. This new website is being launched earlier that originally intended in response to requests from our stakeholders and the COVID-19 Pandemic. The website is one-part of the Scheme’s new Strategic Communication Plan which has been developed to ensure that we can communicate effectively with our stakeholders. The Council have promised to advance the development of the design through a process of consultation with the people of Musselburgh. The project team are working hard to ensure this is achieved. This website is designed to be a ‘one stop shop’ for all information relating to the project and will continue to evolve as the project advances.
At this point the priority is to make the new website live. This is now achieved, however we recognise that there are a number of important pages not yet published. The project team will continue to develop these new pages, and will systematically publish them between now and the end of the year.
Please come back regularly to see the latest updates to the website.