Roads closed as heavy rain causes flooding

Flooding has brought significant disruption in parts of Scotland, with flood warnings in place in many areas due to heavy rain and melting snow.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued 19 flood warnings and 12 flood alerts around the country.

In Aberdeenshire, the A92 is closed in both directions due to flooding, as is the A9 at Blair Atholl in Perth and Kinross.

A Met Office yellow warning of rain for much of north-west Scotland is in place until 10:00 while a wind warning expired at 08:00.

In Argyll and Bute, the A815 at Rest and Be Thankful near Lochgoilhead, is closed in both directions following a landslide.

Diversions are in place via the B839 and B828 and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

The A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful is also closed, with traffic currently being diverted to the Old Military Road.

Bear Scotland said a decision would be made about returning traffic to the A83 trunk road by 12:00 following a hillside inspection.

The heavy rain comes after a week of wintry weather in northern Scotland which saw hundreds of schools closed throughout the first week of the new term.

Aberdeenshire Council last week declared a major incident over the the weather situation, but on Sunday evening announced the incident was over.

Around a dozen schools in Aberdeenshire remain closed, while schools in Aberdeen and Highland council areas have reopened.

Authorities have urged people to be vigilant due to the weather conditions.

David Morgan, Sepa’s flood duty manager, said: “Continuing heavy rain, combined with melting snow, increases the risk of flooding.

“Flood risk is greatest in Dumfries and Galloway and the west and north of Scotland.

“Possible impacts could include flooding affecting parts of communities, low-lying land, transport infrastructure and individual properties.

“Driving conditions will be very difficult at times.”

The Scottish Government Resilience Room met for the seventh day in a row on Sunday, where they and partner agencies discussed how to respond to the harsh weather conditions affecting the country.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who hosted the meeting alongside First Minister John Swinney, said: “As wintry conditions ease across the country, we are urging the public to remain vigilant.

“I would encourage everyone to keep a close eye on weather forecasts, flood alerts and travel advice for their area over the coming days.