Scotland weather: No major flooding after tidal surge

Some localised flooding was reported in Musselburgh on Saturday afternoon

A tidal surge on the east coast of Scotland has failed to bring any major flooding.

Environment agency Sepa had warned that low lying areas around the Firth of Forth and inland at the River Esk in Musselburgh were most at risk.

But despite some localised flooding, no widespread damage appears to have been caused.

Several flood alerts and warnings continue to be in place.

A statement posted on Sepa's website on Saturday afternoon said there was no "serious flooding impacts at present".

It said a close watch had been kept on the potential for coastal flooding following high tide on the east coast, which had been due between 16:00 and 17:00.

It added: "Coastal flood impacts in the east coast are currently considered likely to be slightly less than those experienced on 5 and 6 December."

The main focus of concern had been on coastal settlements along the east coast from Tayport in Fife to Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders, including communities in South Fife, East Lothian and Falkirk.

River and loch levels remain high, Sepa said, but the overall picture was described as "generally improving" with some respite likely until further rain on Sunday afternoon.

The agency said: "There is no immediate prospect of an end to the unsettled weather, which means the situation will be kept under close observation and further alerts and warnings will be issued as necessary and displayed on the website."

Riverside Drive in Aberdeen was closed for an hour after the River Dee burst its banks and there was some flooding in Garmouth, Moray, from the River Spey, police said.

Falkirk Council said a tidal surge occurred at 16:00 in the Grangemouth area, but there were no serious incidents.

It added: "Although levels along the coast and in the watercourses in the Grangemouth area were high, the waters have now receded without any significant flooding."

'Difficult conditions'

Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse urged members of the public to remain vigilant to the threat of flooding.

He said: "Preparedness for flooding events such as those experienced by Scottish communities in the past week is key.

"I have seen from Police Scotland cameras that emergency responders are working extremely hard in locations around the country to provide a co-ordinated response to these difficult conditions.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the dedicated efforts of all the agencies involved in tackling flooding."

He said councils and the emergency services were "ready to react swiftly to minimise the impact of flooding".

"Keeping up-to-date with the latest information is crucial to communities vulnerable to flooding," he said.

"I'd encourage everyone to regularly check with the Sepa Floodline website for updates and warnings.

"Users can also sign up to receive Floodline warnings directly to their mobile phone."

On Friday, heavy rain and tidal surges brought problems to Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Argyll.

Homes were flooded in numerous towns and villages along the coastline.

The south west of Scotland was one of the worst-hit areas, having suffered similar problems earlier in the week.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said numerous properties had been flooded along its coastline.

And people in Helensburgh said they experienced the worst conditions in many years, with the esplanade flooded and closed at various points.