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£1,500 grants for homes and businesses hit by floods £1,500 grants for homes and businesses hit by floods
(35 minutes later)
Every household, business or charity in Scotland directly affected by flood water will get a grant of £1,500, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.Every household, business or charity in Scotland directly affected by flood water will get a grant of £1,500, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
The first minister outlined the details of new funding for those hit by recent severe weather during a visit to Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.The first minister outlined the details of new funding for those hit by recent severe weather during a visit to Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.
She said more than £12m would be made available to help areas struck by storms and flooding.She said more than £12m would be made available to help areas struck by storms and flooding.
Businesses whose trade was affected can also apply for an extra £3,000.Businesses whose trade was affected can also apply for an extra £3,000.
Hundreds of people were evacuated in Aberdeenshire after the Rivers Dee, Don and Ythan burst their banks in the early hours of Friday.Hundreds of people were evacuated in Aberdeenshire after the Rivers Dee, Don and Ythan burst their banks in the early hours of Friday.
It followed Storm Frank at the end of last month which saw flooding in other parts of the country, including Tayside and the Borders.It followed Storm Frank at the end of last month which saw flooding in other parts of the country, including Tayside and the Borders.
It is estimated the recent storms could have cost the Scottish economy £700m so far.It is estimated the recent storms could have cost the Scottish economy £700m so far.
The first minister said the new funding was in addition to £4m announced by Deputy First Minister John Swinney in his budget statement in December.The first minister said the new funding was in addition to £4m announced by Deputy First Minister John Swinney in his budget statement in December.
Ms Sturgeon said: "In the face of devastation Scotland's communities have rallied together and shown real strength. I have met with some local business owners who have made a real difference by offering vital support and once again I am amazed by the determination and dedication of all of our emergency services who are working around the clock to save homes and livelihoods.Ms Sturgeon said: "In the face of devastation Scotland's communities have rallied together and shown real strength. I have met with some local business owners who have made a real difference by offering vital support and once again I am amazed by the determination and dedication of all of our emergency services who are working around the clock to save homes and livelihoods.
"We do not yet have confirmation of consequentials coming from UK Government flood funds - however, now that the picture of those who need support is clearer, the Scottish government is acting now to make sure that the people who need help get it.""We do not yet have confirmation of consequentials coming from UK Government flood funds - however, now that the picture of those who need support is clearer, the Scottish government is acting now to make sure that the people who need help get it."
New funding allocation to local authoritiesNew funding allocation to local authorities
This money is in addition to almost £4m (announced in November) shared between these councils, plus Stirling and South LanarkshireThis money is in addition to almost £4m (announced in November) shared between these councils, plus Stirling and South Lanarkshire
Water levels on the River Don reached their highest levels in 45 years during Thursday night's severe floods caused by heavy rain.Water levels on the River Don reached their highest levels in 45 years during Thursday night's severe floods caused by heavy rain.
Almost 70 properties were evacuated, including the 86 residents of three care homes in Aberdeen.Almost 70 properties were evacuated, including the 86 residents of three care homes in Aberdeen.
The River Ythan also burst its banks, with flow levels breaking previous records at Ellon.The River Ythan also burst its banks, with flow levels breaking previous records at Ellon.
All Aberdeenshire residents affected by flooding have now returned home or found alternative accommodation. And rest centres in the area have been stood down. In these communities in Aberdeenshire a clear-up operation was getting under way on Saturday.
BBC Scotland reporter Andrew Anderson, who is in Inverurie, said it was a much improved picture but turning very cold.
"This morning it's starting to resemble an ice-rink . We've got sub-zero temperatures here and there's a freezing mist beginning to settle on Port Elphinstone and Inverurie," he said.
The first minister met some of the victims of the flooding during her visit to the north east. She also talked with those who responded to the emergency and helped rescue those caught up in the flood water.
David Barrack, who owns the Strathburn Hotel in Inverurie, which offered free accommodation to those forced from their homes, told the BBC parts of the town had been devastated.
"Up where we are you would never know it had happened, but downtown at the riverside it's unbelievable," he said.
"A lot of people have seen their houses just decimated.
"It'll be months and months and months before they can get back in, and last night we had about 30 of the people having dinner at the hotel, and they were very resolute.
"They were amazed that nobody was hurt, that nobody was drowned. It could have been so much worse."
Environment agency Sepa has lifted most flood warnings but warned people to remain vigilant for the next 48 hours.Environment agency Sepa has lifted most flood warnings but warned people to remain vigilant for the next 48 hours.
The flooding followed December being the wettest month for the UK in more than a century.The flooding followed December being the wettest month for the UK in more than a century.