Many parts of Moray have had to endure flooding

The area has been hit by flooding on a regular basis - most recently in 1997 and 2002.

One of the problems is the Mosset Burn which runs through the town, with flooding putting an estimated 900 homes and businesses at risk.

The new reservoir being built to the west of Forres will provide an area for flood waters to be held back by a dam.

'Protect lives'

The flood prevention scheme has received �13.5m of Scottish Government funding.

Environment Minister Mike Russell said: "We cannot prevent flooding, but we must protect lives and property and prepare for floods by increasing our resilience.

"Without this scheme, the flood damage losses in Forres could exceed �43m over the next 50 years.