Whitesands Project status
The Whitesands Project delivery is in accordance with the standard 9-stage process for flood schemes. The project is at stage 8: enabling works.
Standard 9-stage process for flood schemes – Scottish Government
We have appointed Turner & Townsend to provide technical project management services, enabling access to an experienced team of flood project specialists who work on major projects across Scotland and the United Kingdom.
In September 2025 we awarded a construction contract to UK-based civil engineering firm McLaughlin & Harvey following an open tender, that is structured in two stages.
Stage 1, now complete, involves Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), where the contractor – McLaughlin & Harvey – worked with us to refine the scheme’s detailed design, phasing and revised cost estimates.
Stage 2 covers the main construction works, including flood walls, glass panels and gates along a new raised riverside walkway. We are now preparing to start this phase following Dumfries and Galloway Council's decision to approve the project in December 2025.
In advance of main construction work starting this spring, our team has begun facilitation works through non‑intrusive utility mapping, using ground‑penetrating radar to locate underground services. This will be followed by additional ground investigation works.
This stage of the process involves continued engagement with utility companies to confirm any required diversions and to avoid any conflicts with the proposed main construction works (stage 9).
The 9-stage process for flood schemes
Stage 1: identify the scheme.
Stage 2: data collection.
Stage 3: options appraisal.
Stage 4: outline design.
Stage 5 and 6: scheme notification and statutory approvals.
Stage 7: detailed design.
Stage 8: enabling works.
Stage 9: main construction works.