First Minister to visit flood-hit community after Storm Babet

First Minister Humza Yousaf will today visit a community hit by Storm Babet's devastating floods.

The SNP leader will be in Brechin, Angus, to meet residents affected by the extreme weather.

The River South Esk burst its banks on River Street, where people were evacuated from their homes.

Damage was so extensive that is thought that some of those affected will not be able to live in their properties until after Christmas.

A council drive to collect clothing and toiletries for flooded-out residents attracted hundreds of donations.

Yousaf will thank Angus Council, volunteers and the emergency services for their work in supporting the people evacuated from their homes. 

Wendy Taylor was amongst two people in Scotland to die as Storm Babet brought high winds and torrential rains. The grandmother, 67, was swept away in the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, just north of Brechin. 

A 56-year-old man died near Forfar, Angus, after a falling tree hit a van.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Yousaf said the Scottish Government is "working closely with local authorities to support the people and businesses affected" by the storm. He said: "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives to the extreme conditions caused by Storm Babet during what will be a difficult time.

"I want to pass on my thanks to local authorities, volunteers and the emergency services for all their efforts in these extremely challenging conditions."