Humza Yousaf pledges Scottish Government support for Storm Babet recovery

First Minister Humza Yousaf has pledged support for a community which suffered severe damage in Storm Babet.

It is thought that some residents evacuated from their homes after a river burst its banks will not be home by Christmas.

Visiting Angus town Brechin this morning, Yousaf thanked the local council, volunteers and emergency services for their response to the flooding caused by the storm.

River South Esk burst its banks on Friday amidst extreme rains and members of the coastguard were amongst those to help affected residents.

Yousaf said there would be "days, weeks and months" of discussions between the Scottish Government and Angus Council about support for the area.

This could include funding to improve local flood defences.

He said: "I'm hoping my being here so quickly after that terrible weather event is a demonstration the government at the highest level will be involved in discussions with Angus Council to help as much as we possibly can.

"We know that the recovery is going to be long because I've seen myself the scale of the devastation in some of the houses and some of the businesses here, but the government is here for the long haul with our partners in local government."