Scotland hit by floods: River bursts its banks in Stonehaven

HOUSEHOLDERS in Stonehaven had to be rescued in the early hours of this morning when water flooded through the streets and into the town centre.

David Fleming, chairman of Stonehaven Community Council, described conditions as "horrendous".

He told BBC Radio Scotland: "The river flowed into the town through the main streets, Low Wood Road and Cameron Street.

"The water in the High Street was up to chest high."

Mr Fleming said more than 50 people were evacuated from their homes, while others who wanted to remain in their homes retreated to the first floor level.

He said: "Once the river burst its banks obviously water got everywhere.

"But it had been raining for 24 hours so it should have been expected that something drastic was going to happen.

"I think we have to get used to the fact that it's going to happen more often and have our emergency response slightly more tightly co-ordinated," said Mr Fleming.

"I think most of the emergency services I spoke to seem to have been slightly overwhelmed and that's something we've got to correct."