Whitesands project

A scheme to provide flood protection and public realm improvements for the Whitesands area of Dumfries.

Latest position

Ground investigation works

The invasive ground investigation works were completed over the summer 2024, although the equipment installed remains for ongoing data collection each month, to capture seasonal ground water changes.

Appointment of a design consultant

After a competitive procurement process, in mid-autumn we appointed an experienced design team, Jacobs, to deliver on a challenging programme to complete the detailed design in time to meet the Scottish Government funding deadlines of 31 March 2026.

Survey work to enable detailed design to progress

Various surveys to inform detailed design are planned during 2025, so you may see contractors periodically working on site carrying out a range of activities. These include:

  • topographical surveys of the scheme area to update previous records to support the development of the design
  • drone surveys for the scheme area; these surveys will help create the images and 3D models of the scheme area
  • bathymetric surveys on the river along the scheme area again will help inform the design and provide a baseline of the existing river condition

Environmental surveys

The design consultant is finalising the environmental survey schedule that will include all aspects of wildlife, fauna and flora that may be impacted by the scheme. We are liaising with a range of environmental stakeholders about this. Further information will be published when finalised.

Map of Whitesands project boundary