Bridges collapse as River Annan level hits 50-year high

Two historic footbridges have been washed away as water levels on the River Annan hit a 50-year high.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) recorded the figure at its Brydekirk station near Annan.

The rail line between Dumfries and Carlisle has been shut for safety checks on a viaduct in the town.

Four people also had to be rescued from premises on the Whitesands in Dumfries as heavy rains continued to hit southern Scotland.

Two bridges were washed away over the River Annan as it rose to record levels

A major incident was declared in Hawick on Thursday as water levels rose but police said it had now been stood down.

Emergency services were called out early on Thursday evening to the Whitesands as the River Nith poured out across nearby car parks and roads.

Police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service helped four people out of premises - they were all said to be safe and well.

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Some of the worst issues were suffered in Annan where two footbridges were washed away.

Annandale South councillor Richard Brodie said the town was "still in shock" at the loss of the Diamond Jubilee Bridge and the Cuthbertson Memorial Bridge.

"They are so much a part of our DNA in the town, that it is essential that they are replaced as soon as possible," he said.

Bridges with history

Four people had to be taken to safety from properties in Dumfries

The two bridges lost have allowed people to cross the River Annan for decades.

The Diamond Jubilee Bridge was the older of the pair - built in 1897 to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession to the throne.

The 19th century suspension bridge was a B-listed structure.

The Cuthbertson Memorial Bridge dated back to 1957 to commemorate Lt William Cuthbertson but was dedicated to everyone from Annan who lost their lives in World War Two.

Network Rail Scotland said the viaduct had been shut after the two bridges north of the railway had been washed away.

It tweeted: "We're unable to allow trains to pass over the Annan Viaduct pending a daylight safety inspection.

"The line between Dumfries and Carlisle will remain closed until further notice."

Divers will be needed to go and check the structure but they will be unable to do so until the flow of water in the area slows.

'We saw an otter outside our window'

Lucy Woods and Ayla Fudala had to take steps to protect their home

Among those affected by the Dumfries flooding were Lucy Woods and Ayla Fudala.

"I had to go and lug 20 sandbags and meanwhile the rain kept coming down," said Ms Fudala.

"The water level kept getting higher and higher.

"We had to lift up the fridges and put them on chairs and the power went out for a while."

However, they also had one more pleasant surprise.

"Our roommate saw an otter swim down the street yesterday," said Ms Fudala.

"We saw an otter right outside our window - that was nice," added Ms Woods.

A Met Office amber warning for rain was in place for much of southern Scotland earlier in the week and a yellow alert was in place until 15:00 on Friday.

A number of fresh warnings have been issued for the coming days - one from midnight to noon on Saturday and another from 03:00 on Sunday until 06:00 on Monday.