Paul Cackette to lead Musselburgh flood inquiry

Paul Cackette has been appointed as reporter for the proceedings, which were called in by Scottish ministers after East Lothian councillors requested that they assume responsibility for the final decision.

Mr Cackette, a former Scottish government solicitor and chief planning officer, most recently served as director of outbreak management in Scotland, where he co-ordinated responses to local outbreaks and contributed to policy development and second-wave planning, including Covid restrictions. Now retired, he will consider both the case for the scheme and objections to it.

The Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme was referred to ministers after council officials said they had been unable to resolve nearly 500 outstanding objections despite months of discussions with campaigners.

The proposals have proved contentious locally, with projected costs rising from £8.9m in 2016 to an estimated £53.9m.

Opponents – who object in particular to plans for high walls through the town centre – have called for the scheme to be paused, arguing that insufficient work has been undertaken to explore “natural solutions”.

In a letter issued on Mr Cackette’s behalf to the council and interested parties, it was confirmed that a hearing is anticipated in September or October this year.

It adds: “The scheduling of the hearing will be decided once the topics are determined, in accordance with an agenda to be provided and once the balance between a hearing and a full inquiry can be more clearly anticipated.”