Salmond warning over flood risks

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First Minister Alex Salmond warned flooding in Scotland was emerging as a "major risk", as the big freeze gives way to the thaw.

Concern has been raised that heavy rainfall predicted in parts of Scotland at the weekend could cause problems.

But Mr Salmond said every precaution was being taken to deal with the possible effects.

And he said a slow thaw in the wake of the serious wintry weather meant a low risk of widespread flooding.

The Scottish government said it was keeping in close contact with the Met Office and was on alert for any change to the weather.

Flooding is emerging as a major risk - it doesn't mean it's going to happen, but, if it does happen, we'll be prepared Alex SalmondFirst minister

Mr Salmond said work was under way to deal with the impact of any heavy rainfall, such as the clearing of water courses.

"We've got some forecasts over the weekend to suggest some areas of Scotland might have some quite heavy rainfall," he said.

He added: "For a few days now we've been in dialogue with the local authorities to make preparations, just in case."

The first minister said: "Flooding is emerging as a major risk - it doesn't mean it's going to happen, but if it does happen, we'll be prepared.

"Can we absolutely prevent it happening? No. But we can have the maximum preparation and we can certainly mitigate any damage."

Meanwhile, Mr Salmond moved to calm concerns that problems with a company which supplies salt to Scotland could result in shortages.

Mechanical problems at Cheshire-based Salt Union could cause problems with supply to Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk and South Lanarkshire councils.

But the first minister said there was ample salt stocks in Scotland to re-direct to the local authorities, if needed.