Digital maps to tackle flooding

ELECTRONIC maps of the city's drains have been produced for the first time, to help prevent flooding.

The Capital is one of the first in the UK to create the maps, which were recommended in a report into the UK's flood defences, published last week.

The city council joined with Scottish Water to scan thousands of pages of records dating back to 1875. Tim Rayner, a senior conservation officer at the council, said the project would help the local authority meet the report's recommendations, as well as saving around £25,000 a year.

Scottish Water's regional manager, Craig Lawson, added: "In the future, this digital record will be accessible through handheld devices.

"It will arm engineers with the vital information they require on the ground."