 Scotland had its wettest August in decades, the minister said |
The Scottish Executive has allocated �89m to stem the problem of flooding in vulnerable areas. Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson said the money would be used to bolster flood prevention and protect about 4,200 homes and businesses.
The three-year funding programme will be used by local authorities to finance their own flood measures.
Mr Wilson said that after the wettest August in decades, it was important to act to prevent future problems.
Speaking at a flooding conference in Edinburgh, the minister said defences must improve.
"We are determined to do more to help local authorities protect vulnerable areas from flooding," he said. "I am well aware of the misery and distress, as well as the cost to people and the economy, that flooding can cause.
"I look forward to local authorities throughout Scotland bringing forward sustainable flood prevention schemes to further protect homes and businesses in their communities."
The allocation, part of the Scottish budget announced by Finance Minister Andy Kerr on Wednesday, coincides with a flood awareness campaign by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
'Global challenge'
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell said the executive's transport policies were accelerating climate change.
"Allan Wilson is spending this money while his fellow ministers are making matters worse by committing the executive to a multi-billion pound climate polluting programme," he said.
"I feel sorry for him as he attempts to put a brave face on the contradictions at the heart of this executive.
"Scotland needs to play its part in the global challenge posed by climate change and that means tackling the root causes as well as the symptoms."
The Scottish National Party dismissed the executive's funding drive as "a financial farce".
Angus Robertson, the MP for Moray, said his constituency had been hit by "devastating" floods and the cost of a scheme in Elgin could reach �115m.
"There will be local authorities all over Scotland wondering where they will get the finances to pay for flood schemes that, while essential, are beyond their normal means," he said.
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I am well aware of the misery and distress, as well as the cost to people and the economy, that flooding can cause 
