SCOTTISH Borders Council has awarded the contract for ground and structural survey works for Hawick Flood Protection Scheme to local firm Holequest.

The survey is due to begin next month and the results will influence the next stages of the design process.

The announcement follows the successful funding award from the Scottish Government for Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme in March this year.

SBC’s Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, Councillor Gordon Edgar, said: “It is great news for Hawick that the next step has been taken towards a flood protection scheme for the town.

“The hard work which went into the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme proved worthwhile with the Scottish Government grant earlier this year giving it the final go-ahead. While Hawick’s scheme is not as advanced as Selkirk’s, it is still positive that these works have begun.”