Flood protection schemes
We maintain flood protection schemes on the Braid Burn and Water of Leith. These have been built to increase the volume of water which can be contained in those watercourses during heavy flows. The aim of this is to reduce the risk of river flooding to properties during serious storms.
The design of the Water of Leith flood scheme in Stockbridge and Murrayfield includes flood walls with openings for vehicles and pedestrians during normal river flows. In advance of high river levels, it is necessary to close flood gates or install barriers to close these openings.
Some riverside paths are designed to flood during high river levels. This widens the river channel and allows more water to flow down the river and not affect properties. You should avoid walking near these paths in flood conditions.
Flood gates on the Braid Burn are there for access to the river and remain in the closed position at all times. If any of these gates are open they should be reported to us.