Here is an update on the weather situation across Aberdeenshire, firstly from the council, secondly from the police, and finally from North Kincardine Rural Community Council.
FROM ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL:
The severe weather stemming from Storm Frank has had a significant impact on a number of communities in Aberdeenshire, particularly in the south and west.
Police Scotland is treating the situation across the north-east as a major incident, and has been leading the response for those areas worst affected by flooding.
We have had regular teleconferences with our partner agencies throughout the day as the situation has developed and conversations have continued into the evening.
Particular attention has been paid to residents of care homes and sheltered housing in affected communities.
Both Aboyne and Ballater faced flooding issues today. Aboyne Academy was used as a rest centre for those residents who were affected, all of whom have since found alternative accommodation.
In Ballater, around 120 households (more than 200 people) attended the rest centre at the Victoria and Albert Halls. This evening, around 50 remaining people have been relocating to the nearby barracks, and 20 to the local manse. Food is being provided by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and the local community.
In Braemar, around 100 people were affected by flooding at the town’s caravan park, although the rest centre has since stood down. Currently, the only access to the town is from Tayside.
Marykirk also experienced challenges, with seven people being evacuated and access to the village unavailable for a time.
Thankfully, there have been no major concerns in either Huntly or Stonehaven. In Stonehaven, the flood barriers were deployed as a precaution but will be removed in time for the town’s fireballs celebration.
There have also been significant issues along the A93, however, which is now effectively closed from the west of Banchory.
A number of structures and routes have been affected and will require inspection in the morning. There are some major issues that will take some time to address, including a partial collapse of the A93 at Micras, east of Crathie, and the collapse of a storm arch on the Invercauld Bridge.
Other issues include severe damage to The Cambus o’ May suspension bridge.
The impact of these and other issues means that access to Ballater is currently very limited.
Road closures and other issues will have an impact on the council’s ability to fully carry out winter maintenance on routes including the A93 and motorists are being urged to take extra caution if they plan to travel.
In terms of other weather-related matters, the council has been responding to reports of fallen trees across Aberdeenshire, and SSE has been addressing a number of power failures, with the Buchan area particularly badly affected. It is expected most faults, other than those in Ballater, will be fixed today.
Both SSE and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have offered support in Ballater tomorrow (Thursday) to carry out electrical checks and pumping duties respectively.
Weather conditions have generally been improving throughout the day, and peak river levels have now passed.
As it is expected that support for recovery will continue over the next few days, an appeal has gone out to council staff who are not currently on duty to ask if they can support ongoing efforts.
FROM THE POLICE:
Police Scotland continues to co-ordinate the response to flooding issues following Storm Frank.
Residents are now being evacuated from Riverside Drive in Aberdeen and moved to Norwood Hall which has been opened as a rest centre.
Police and partner agencies are urging the public to obey road closure signs and are also advising against walking in flood water.
High water levels are expected along the River Dee and flooding is expected as water moves down the course.
Chief Inspector Richard Craig said: “We are continuing to work with partner agencies to deal with flooding throughout the Grampian region.
“We would like to remind the public to avoid affected areas and to obey road closure signs. The roads are closed for a good reason and failure to obey these closures put you and emergency services at unnecessary risk.
“Members of the public should also avoid walking in flood water, no matter how shallow, as many man-hole covers have lifted and the water may be contaminated.
“Local authorities have sandbags available for residents whose properties are affected by flood water.”
We can advise of the following road closures at 8pm on Wednesday 30 December:
Inchgarth Drive, Aberdeen between Primrosebank Avenue and Shaken Brig
Riverside Drive, Aberdeen between Queen Elizabeth Bridge and George VI Bridge
A93 between Ballater and approximately 1.5 miles east of Balmoral/Crathie
A93 at Cambus O May
A93 between Crathie and Braemar
A93 at Potarch Bridge quarter of a mile east of Kincardine O’Neil
A93 Deeside Road in Aboyne
A937 Marykirk
B976 Dee Bridge on to South Deeside Road
B974 Banchory Bridge at Strachan
Bridge of Feugh at Banchory off the B974
Maryculter Bridge.
FROM NORTH KINCARDINE RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL:
Very sad to report the extensive flooding that has happened has badly affected the Corbie Hall and Old Mill Inn and the caravan park. The picture of the Corbie hall I took about 9pm tonight would suggest the hall and contents are beyond salvage. The Old Mill Inn is similarly flooded with water half way up the front door.
It was not possible to get near the Maryculter bridge but with two very loud bangs and tremendous noise like tearing steel in a space of five minutes whilst there I suspect the bridge has been badly damaged.
I can also report that the mains water is off across the Kirkton of Maryculter and Scottish Water suspect their main has ruptured on the South Deeside Road at Kintewline as there is 4 feet of water on the road there.
The Paul Lawrie golf centre is also flooded badly with water up at 1st floor level.