Published Date: Mar 21st, 2025
Fife Council has taken action to monitor water levels in Cupar's Lady Burn to help warn and inform local residents of flooding risks in the town.
In December 2023 severe storms caused widespread flooding, affecting a number of properties and roads over the festive season.
Now, as part of ongoing work to reduce Cupar's flooding risks, the council has installed a river level monitor on the Lady Burn at Skinner Steps to provide regular information on water levels. The system will alert the council when water levels in the Burn reach a certain threshold and therefore the potential for flooding in the area. A camera will also provide information on any blockages at the bridge that could cause water levels to rise.
The council's environment spokesperson Cllr Jan Wincott welcomed the positive steps being taken to protect the area.
She added: "Anyone who has experienced flooding and being evacuated from their homes will know what an incredibly distressing experience it is to go through.
"Unfortunately there are a number of areas in Fife, including Cupar where flooding events are becoming more common as the climate changes.
"We're working with communities to tackle these challenges, help residents be better prepared for these events and, where we can, put measures in place to reduce flooding risk.
"This monitor will give us early warning of flooding risk and give people time to take the necessary action to protect themselves and their properties."
The new monitoring system is now being tested and calibrated to determine the suitable threshold levels for alerts to be sent to the council. Once the monitor is fully functioning, it's planned to open up the system to the local community so they can be alerted to the potential of flooding and to prepare for any impacts.
