24/04/2020
Flood Risk! Like everybody we could use some good news now restrictions are, more and more, extended and we are unable to welcome any guests. Only our increasing sheep flog can witness how beautiful Blar a Chaoruinn is in May. Luckily, we did receive some good news concerning the Pods. At the back end of last week the very positive results from the Flood Risk Assessment were received! Our second location has passed the test!
This didn’t come for granted....
When it concerns the fight against water, the Dutch always see themselves as the experts. Don’t tell them anything about dikes and the everlasting treat of the rising sea. However, flood risks way above sea level seems more of aScottish expertise. Fort William located on the west coast of Scotland at the foot of Ben Nevis is Scotlands record- breaking rain location. Ever wundred the stunning beauty of the location? Simple answer: 🌧 🌧 🌧
We never thought of any flood risks at Blar a Chaoruinn until a year ago. Just before we submitted our request for planning, our dear friend and neighbour IJ, who we can’t do without in this process, identified the area as an ancient Flood risk area. Consequently, we had to do a Flood Risk Assessment.
The designated location for the pods was enclosed between 2 small burns (a burn is what is defined as a watercourse in size from a large stream to a small river – ours are the very first...) that join together, increasing the power of the water. One of these burns is also our private water supply. Don’t tell us about the benefits of our own natural resources😀
It is to be said that we were very surprised to see the first Flood Risk Model. Based on a 200-year horizon and a very aggressive negative impact on the climate, it forecasted a very mature loch at this location, Loch Blar a Chaoruinn. To put it in perspective, over the last 80 years the area has never been more than a wet grazing area. Anyway, we had to go back to the drawingboard to find a new location. Its reassuring to know that the pods will now be safe from flood risk. Perhaps our grand-grand-grand children may be able to offer windsurf or boating holidays...
@ Blar a’ Chaoruinn
