Flooding minister on her way to Hawick

Flooding minister Dr Aileen MacLeod will visit to Hawick tomorrow morning to see first-hand the impact of recent flooding on the local community.
Dr Aileen McLeod is visiting Hawick tomorrow morning.Dr Aileen McLeod is visiting Hawick tomorrow morning.
Dr Aileen McLeod is visiting Hawick tomorrow morning.

Her visit will come after the Scottish Government announced that it will consider emergency financial assistance for local authorities to help deal with the costs of flood damage that occurred in the aftermath of Storm Desmond.

In a statement today, deputy first minister and finance secretary John Swinney revealed that a discretionary scheme is available to give financial assistance to councils who face an undue financial burden as a result of large-scale emergencies.

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Mr Swinney said he would consider all eligible expenditure under the terms of the The Bellwin Scheme when formal claims have been received from any local authority.

John SwinneyJohn Swinney
John Swinney

Mr Swinney said: “Various parts of Scotland experienced emergency situations caused by the flooding over the weekend, in particular the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Tayside, Speyside and Moray.

“This government is committed to helping communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible. I have today agreed to activate the Bellwin scheme which provides support to local authorities to assist with immediate and unforeseen costs of dealing with the latest flood damage.

“I would encourage everyone to monitor SEPA’s Floodline website for the latest flood information and to sign up to receive Floodline warnings direct to their phone.”

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At the peak of the problems about 300 homes were evacuated in Hawick as the River Teviot burst its banks, while properties in Newcastleton, Langholm and Peebles were also affected.

More than 100mm of rain fell in the area throughout Friday and Saturday, according to Met Office figures.