Thursday September 24th 2026
South Scotland Green MSP Laura Moodie
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
South Scotland Green MSP Laura Moodie has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s backing for a Green amendment giving communities a greater role in flood management and recognising that smaller areas can miss out on funding.
The amendment, moved by Green MSP Mark Ruskell, secured Parliament’s recognition that small communities can lose out under the current funding model.
It also secured support for communities to have an active role in developing flood management plans, for plans to cover whole river catchments and for the Scottish Government to work with landowners on nature-based solutions through public land management and agricultural support.
During the debate, the Greens challenged the current funding formula for major flood protection projects, which prioritises schemes partly according to population size and the number of properties at risk. They warned that this can leave smaller communities unable to access the investment they need.
Green MSPs also pressed ministers over whether councils have sufficient capacity and expertise to coordinate work across whole catchments.
The debate highlighted continuing concerns about flooding along the River Esk catchment, including in and around Penicuik, and the need for coordinated action that manages water across the whole river system.
Laura Moodie MSP said: “Communities should not have to wait until disaster strikes before they receive the protection and investment they need.
“Green MSPs have secured Parliament’s backing for a more joined-up approach with communities actively involved and flood management planned across entire river catchments.
“That is particularly important in South Scotland, where smaller towns and villages can face serious flooding but struggle to compete for funding against more heavily populated areas.
“We also need to tackle flooding closer to its source. Restoring wetlands, peatlands, woodlands and natural floodplains can help slow and store water before it reaches homes and businesses.
“That work must be done alongside farmers and land managers with practical support that recognises the important role their land can play in protecting communities downstream.
“The Scottish Government supported the Green’s calls for fairer, community-led flood planning. I will now press the Government to turn Parliament’s decision into practical action and fair funding for communities across Midlothian.”
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