In the latest chapter of a remarkable story of flood prevention works, it was revealed this week that the £20 million scheme for Forres could be paying its way by the end of the year, months ahead of its official completion date.

A project to protect Lhanbryde is already finished, and work starts on the first phase of a Rothes one later this year.

The way is also being cleared for the biggest one of all, for Elgin, which looks like going to a local public inquiry before work starts, probably after 2010.

Elgin was hardest hit of all by the great floods of 1997 and 2002, and the race is on to have the prevention measures in place before another calamity strikes, of that there is no doubt.

What does seem to be in doubt is the financial help to make sure the huge costs are met. Moray cannot do it alone. It is shouldering a substantial share of the bills for all the schemes, but it has to be able to count on the assistance of the Scottish Government to see the programme of works through.

Moray Council's director of finance this week described as "uncertain" the grant aid for the Elgin scheme, and that is cause for concern. Moray should not be seeing through this biggest challenge in its history under a cloud of uncertainty.

Hints from Government Ministers that "we will see you alright" is not good enough. Local authority spending is under enough pressure as it is without being ripped apart by paying for more flood projects than it had bargained for; obviously some serious talking needs to be done between Moray and the Scottish Government to confirm exactly what help is available so this uncertainty is eased.

There is no choice. This Elgin scheme is vital to people's lives and to our economy; if the Government has any doubts then let them look back at the devastation caused to homes, businesses and our local infrastructure.

The multi-million pound cost is one we have to pay; there should be no doubt about that. And there should be no doubt about being able to foot the bill, if promises of help are fulfilled.

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