Flood Protection Scheme Contributes to Local Community's Health and Wellbeing

Our levels of physical activity have dropped by a staggering 20% compared to the 1960s. ?Through reimagining our towns and cities so that walking and cycling can become the norm, we can make a difference. At McLaughlin & Harvey, we are playing our part through our partnership with Dundee City Council in the implementation of an active travel scheme as part of the Broughty Ferry Flood Protection Scheme.

At the heart of the Broughty Ferry scheme is a newly created 5-metre wide shared-use cycleway and footpath constructed along the entire length of the project. Replacing the existing narrow 1-metre wide footpath, the scheme enables more people to access and enjoy the stunning coastline. The project is also set to improve access to the renowned NCN-01, the 1000-mile North Sea Cycle Route.

The active travel plans had overwhelming community support at an early stage in the project, with 97% of respondents to a survey favouring the positive changes to the coastal path. By providing a route along one of the most naturally beautiful locations to walk, cycle and exercise in the area, this active travel plan brings a wealth of health benefits to the community and also positively impacts the environment, reducing carbon emissions, congestion, and noise pollution.

Activity can be thirsty and hungry work, so we were more than happy to support Braw Tea, a social enterprise community café at Castle Green, Broughty Ferry.? Walkers, cyclists and runners can try delicious homecooked food and coffee in this prime location next to the cycleway and footpath.

Braw Tea aims to help support disadvantaged women from all walks of life through training, work experience, building relationships and confidence.? Their mission is to support women in need and get them onto a new footing in life in a non-judgmental space. Every penny of profit the community cafe makes goes back into the project.

Jackie McKenzie, Director at Braw Tea CIC, said, “McLaughlin & Harvey’s support has been tremendous in helping us make Braw Tea Cafe a reality. They were able to fund the equipment we needed to get the project to completion - professional barista equipment, our crockery cutlery, chairs, and kitchenware, as well as fire extinguishers and proper building signage. We now have over 15 volunteer women and many repeat customers. I cannot thank Matthew, George and Jane from McLaughlin & Harvey enough- your support absolutely ensured this project could take off and would never have happened otherwise.”

Supporting community organisations like Braw Tea not only helps us to leave a lasting legacy but also supports underrepresented groups to get the help and support to find positive destinations in the world of work or education.? Make sure you pop in for a visit next time you’re in Broughty Ferry!

Engineering active travel and exercise into this infrastructure project is an important element of this ￡14 million flood protection scheme, which has been delivered as part of the Scape Group National Construction Major Works - UK Framework. These infrastructure works have successfully delivered flood protection for this coastal community, which is classified as a potentially vulnerable area, and will be protected against a 1 in 200-year storm surge event. The scheme was completed in 2023.?

For more information about Broughty Ferry’s active travel improvements visit click here.