Flooding of Castle Leod grounds as River Peffery bursts banks prompts Ross-shire clan chief call for 'radical solutions' as extreme weather events become 'new normal'
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THE prospect of more extreme weather events means flooding witnessed in Ross-shire this week will become "the new normal".
That's the view of the Earl of Cromartie who witnessed the lower grounds of Castle Leod in Strathpeffer inundated after the River Peffery burst its banks at the weekend.
Clan chief John Mackenzie, the Fifth Earl of Cromartie, believes "radical solutions" will increasingly need to be considered as climate change takes hold resulting in a greater frequency of what might now be considered extreme weather events.
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He said: "Though the castle is fine, the same cannot be said for the lower areas of the grounds near the main road between Strathpeffer and Dingwall. Gate Lodge has now been flooded for the fourth time and the road was virtually impassable for cars.
"Despite expensive flood barriers close to the Caberfeidh shinty pitch, the river has escaped with the usual consequences.
"With climate change there's an increased likelihood of more ‘extreme’ events that will probably become the new ‘normal’. It is now time that more radical solutions to minimise flood risk should be undertaken."
Photos taken on Saturday show flooding from the Peffery and the breach of the flood defences by the shinty pitch at Castle Leod.
He said: "If the gabions (flood defences) built by SEPA had extended all the way down to the bridge over the road there may have been significantly less flooding. Unfortunately, they stop 150m or so short."
