Celebrating the completion of major project in Scotland with community seed sowing

As part of the Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA), a joint venture between AECOM and M Group Water, we’re proud to announce the completion of a £9.4 million investment by Scottish Water in Edinburgh’s waste water network.

The project’s completion was marked by a community effort to sow the seeds of what will become a large wild meadow above the site of the key project. Community groups and school pupils took part in an event to plant the meadow, which covers ground on Bruntsfield Links.

Creation of the wildflower meadow was led by Dr Tim Duffy, Chair of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Lothians Members Group and David Kyles of the City of Edinburgh Council..

Underneath the newly sowed meadow, our team has worked to install a 15-metre-deep storm tank as part of the investment to help project the local community from sewer flooding.

Scottish Water’s investment in the waste water network has been designed so storm water will be directed to the underground tank during heavy rainfall, something which occurs more  frequently due to climate change. 

Once the storm has subsided, storm water collected in the tank will then be pumped out to the sewer network and carried to the waste water treatment works before being returned safely to the environment. Ultimately, this means that for people in the area, the risk of flooding has been reduced. In addition, over 600 metres of new sewer pipe has been fitted beneath Marchmont Crescent.

Rob Mustard, Scottish Water's Director of Capital Investment said: 

“Completion of this multi-million pound investment in Edinburgh’s waste water network reflects Scottish Water’s commitment to improving its infrastructure to better serve our customers, meet increased demand and address the impact of climate change.

“The improvements made to the sewer network and installation of the storm tank will benefit customers and the environment in Marchmont for years to come.

“We are grateful to everyone who has worked with us to allow us to carry out this work. Their patience and understanding was greatly appreciated.”

You can find out more about our work on the Marchmont project below.