Dumfries and Galloway Council has awarded the main works contract for the Whitesands Flood Protection and Public Realm Improvement Scheme in Dumfries to McLaughlin & Harvey.

Following the council’s two‑stage procurement process – which included an early contractor involvement stage commencing in 2025 – the council has agreed a construction contract with McLaughlin & Harvey with a contract value of £45.44 million and an anticipated works duration of 43 months.

Start dates and phasing will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Full Council approved the Full Business Case in December 2025, securing funding for the £68.6 million project, subject to final preparations and consents.

Councillors agreed to allocate £13.7 million (20 per cent) of the project cost. This approval provided the financial certainty needed to move from planning and design into contract and construction phases.

The project is designed to reduce flood risk in Dumfries town centre from the River Nith while also delivering public realm improvements along the riverside corridor in Dumfries from Greensands, through Whitesands to Dock Park.

Lisa Hawkin, Executive Director of Economy and Infrastructure at Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “Agreeing the contract marks the completion of the procurement stage for the main works. The council will continue preparations for delivery, including ongoing communication and engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders as further information becomes available.”

Updates will be published on the council’s website at https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/latestnews and you can find out more about the project at https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/whitesands-project