Fears a man was washed away as parts of Scotland stay on flood alert
A search is underway on the River Tay in Perthshire after extreme rain
Last updated 9th Oct 2023
Helicopters and rescue boats have been searching for an elderly man feared to have been carried away by flood water in Perthshire.
A search has been going on since Saturday night in Strathtay for a 77 year old man.
There are still 52 flood warnings – and 2 severe flood warnings - in place across the country and the deluge over the weekend has been compared to conditions during the Beast from the East in 2018.
The severe warnings cover Aviemore, in the Highlands, and areas around Perth.
READ MORE: Dog caught a fish that swam into the house amid flooding
Rail lines still closed
The main railway line to the Highlands remains closed because of flooding damage.
But commuter services into Glasgow have resumed after flood water which came almost up to the height on the platforms at places such as Bowling has now subsided.
Scotrail is listing all disruption here.
Road closures
A number of roads are still closed around Stirling and the Trossachs with the council proving updates here.
Police Scotland said communities "faced some of the most challenging conditions ever", after 10 motorists were airlifted to safety on Saturday due to landslides on the A83 in Argyll and Bute, which dislodged 2,000 tonnes of debris. Another four were airlifted in Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute.
Head of transport resilience at Transport Scotland, Stein Connelly, said: "It's been an extremely challenging 72 hours, with perhaps some of most difficult conditions we've experienced since the Beast from the East.
"In terms of Argyll, the area around the A83 Rest and Be Thankful saw a month's worth of rainfall, around 160mm, fall over 36 hours. Only a small amount of debris has reached the road at the Rest and Be Thankful itself.
"Safety inspections are now under way, and teams are on site to begin clear-up operations once it is deemed safe to do so."
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: "Communities across Scotland have dealt with some of the most challenging conditions they have faced.
"While the picture is gradually improving, we are still dealing with flooding, a number of road closures and hazardous driving conditions due to surface water, so I would remind people to please exercise caution on the roads.
"The situation in Argyll and Bute remains extremely challenging, with a number of main routes closed. In that area I would urge people to consider if their journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve further."
Extreme rainfall
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: "The rainfall we have seen over Scotland this weekend has been extreme, causing significant disruption - particularly in the west and north of the country.
"These impacts are ongoing, and I want to put on record my thanks to all the staff and volunteers responding across the country.
"The flooding risk remains a key concern over the next few hours and days, with extremely high river levels and saturated ground.
"Our multi-agency response teams stand ready and prepared to respond to any flooding incidents.
"Travel disruption has continued on Sunday and the priority is now to restore normality as far as possible by Monday morning. I would urge anyone planning to travel over the next few days to do so with caution."
Ruth Ellis, Sepa's flood duty manager, said: "Some rivers will continue to rise over the course of the evening. The risk to life remains.
"There is still deep standing water and really it's important people understand the danger.
"Not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.
"We will continue to provide information and support to ensure Scotland recovers and becomes more resilient to future flooding."