1. Golspie Flood Action Group is a sub committee of Golspie Community Council and needs funding to deliver key aspects of the village flood management plan. The mission of the group is 'to protect the village, protect the A9 and protect the future' and aims to achieve this by the creation of a village wide, strategic flood management plan to be implemented by 2035. The plan is being developed to encompass all aspects of flood risk (fluvial, coastal, surface, groundwater & sewer) with the community and a multi-agency group of statutory authorities and stakeholder agencies. The most immediate part of the project for which funding is required is the installation of a groyne alongside the failed pier to protect the harbour and slipway.

2. Flood protection has been highlighted as one of the 2 top priorities in the Local Place Plan for Golspie, (along with a child care centre). Golspie is already identified as being in the top 10 areas of Scotland most at risk of coastal flooding and erosion, and the national infrastructure A9 trunk road runs through the centre of the village. Since Storm Babet 3 years ago, the pier is no longer acting as a terminal groyne so sediment, shingle and debris is constantly being washed into the harbour by the long shore drift currents, making both harbour and slip way frequently unusable. This makes it difficult if not impossible to launch commercial fishing boats, sea kayaks or coastal skiffs, or access the south beach on foot for walking or swimming.

3. The installation of a groyne will hold beach material to the NE of the pier, improving coastal flood protection for properties on Shore Street. It will also ensure both harbour and slipway are much more easily accessible and usable for boats, fishermen, those wishing to enjoy the beach for walking, swimming, kayaking and rowing. In addition engineers are working on a design for the groyne to include artifical reef cubes which enhance the coastal habitat and encourage marine biodiversity. We are currently working with partners to scope options for re-use of locally sourced dredge material with which to replenish the beach. If successful this will create a circular, local economy and supply.

4. Extensive community consultation has been undertaken over the past 3 years (local place plan events& flood presentations) which evidences widespread support for Golspie Flood Action Group in general and the pier-groyne project specifically. In conjunction with Highland Council Flood Team, an initial design & estimate of cost for the groyne has been obtained, and Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping has been completed, which confirms that full EIA is not required. Detailed engineering designs are in progress. The next stage is to gain marine licensing and planning permission for which the documentation is being prepared. Confirmation of funding from SSE Gordonbush and the amount is awaited. Applications to SSEN Regional Community Fund, Community Regeneration Fund and SSER Highland Sustainable Development Fund earlier this year were unsuccessful due to the volume of applicants. Highland Council Flood Team have been awarded £105,000 from Coastal Change Adaptation Fund for the planning, design and permissions of the groyne. Other funding applications are in progress.

5. If there are no unforeseen delays and funding is obtained, it should be possible to start construction by mid 2027 and complete by the end of 2027.