Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW ), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran visited Scotland last week and took in a range of briefings concerning flood risk management, the protection of historic sites and the encouragement of young people into developing a love for heritage.
Minister Moran received extensive briefings on the overall Flood Risk Management Policy Framework in Scotland and the role of the Scottish Environmental Protection Authority (SEPA ) in this policy.
He visited the site of the Eddleston Catchement and saw first hand the efforts to provide solutions to flooding in the area. Minister Moran also received briefings on resilience from Scottish Flood Forum and on the practical deployment of Property Level Protection from the Scottish Borders Council.
“I found both discussions extremely beneficial, and saw how local communities have been encouraged and supported in their own efforts to provide support for each other during major flood alerts, particularly when it comes to looking after vulnerable people such as the elderly and the infirm,” said Moran.
On the second day of his visit, Minister Moran traveled to the Scotland Masonry Training Facility at Forth Valley College in Stirling where he met with some of the apprentices there.
While in Stirling, Moran also visited The Engine Shed, where he was met by Dr David Mitchell and his staff. The Engine Shed is Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre. Run by Historic Environment Scotland, it serves as a central hub for building and conservation professionals and the general public, including schoolchildren.
“I was very impressed with the level of activity that was taking place there, particularly in the interactive way that the centre was able to engage young children in history and heritage,” said Minister Moran.
Minister Moran then traveled to the Scottish Parliament and met with Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment.
Before departing Edinburgh, Minister Moran visited Edinburgh Castle where he met with officials involved in the preservation of the castle and other historic monuments in Scotland.
