Improving weather conditions and falling water levels have seen a number of roads and bridges re-open across the Grampian area as flood relief efforts by a range of agencies continue. Here is an update from Aberdeenshire Council:

Weather conditions have steadily improved and while persistent rain is expected on Saturday and into Sunday, Sepa’s forecasting does not predict any significant risk of further flooding at this time.

Falling water levels have allowed teams to carry out inspections of various routes and structures. This has allowed a number of bridges and routes to be re-opened.

This included the re-opening in Banchory of the B993 Potarch Bridge, the B974 Dee Bridge (Dee Street, Banchory), and the C36K Feugh Bridge.

Ballater Bridge survived the worst of Storm Frank and reopened to traffic earlier today (Thursday) following an inspection by engineers.

The Maryculter Bridge has also reopened, albeit the South Deeside Road between Maryculter and Aberdeen remains closed.

Improving conditions and work on the route also allowed the A93 to re-open between Aberdeen and Ballater this afternoon.

As the Invercauld Bridge remains passable only to pedestrian traffic, Perth and Kinross Council has kindly agreed to grit the A93 from Glenshee to Ballater, given local access challenges.

In Ballater, a total of 96 people were accommodated in the Victoria Barracks last night (Wednesday). It is likely that a large number of these people will require accommodation for at least another night.

In the town itself, various agencies and community groups have been hard at work to assist the recovery effort and offers from volunteers are also being coordinated.

An appeal was made to council employees and members of the public to help support ongoing relief efforts over the coming days and weeks, and discussions are taking place with those who have been in touch.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) has had around 100 employees in Ballater today, providing advice and support to the community as well as working to reconnect electricity supplies and providing food supplies.

NHS Grampian has been working to ensure those who need access to medicines are catered for, following flooding to Ballater’s pharmacy.

Earlier today, Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Ballater and met Aberdeenshire Council leaders and the chief executive, among others. He was able to survey the damage caused by the storm and speak with those involved in the response.

HRH the Duke of Rothesay, Prince Charles, also visited Ballater today in a personal capacity.

Both the local police and fire stations were affected by flooding and options are being considered for alternative space. In the meantime, police have been assisting with mapping and helping residents return to their properties where possible.

Aboyne

In Aboyne, residents of Bonty Court sheltered housing returned today (Thursday) as the flood risk to the area subsided.

Marykirk

Road sweepers were unable to reach the flooded part of the road at Marykirk today (Thursday) and will revisit the site to finish the tidy up.

Aberdeen City

The Bridge of Dee and Victoria Bridge were reopened in the early hours of today (Thursday), and Maryculter Bridge reopened in the afternoon. All routes in the city are now open.

Looking ahead, Aberdeenshire Council is looking to ensure appropriate resources are in place and maintaining an accurate log of spending.

Daily conferences will be held by Aberdeenshire Council over the next few days so that any urgent matters can be addressed during the holiday period.

Having done a significant amount clearing up the streets of Ballater and other affected areas, Aberdeenshire Council’s roads team will be taking a break tomorrow, but will be back in action on January 2 to continue the clear up.

Pitcaple Quarry is on standby to become operational, should materials be required to repair road surfaces ahead of the end of the holiday period.

Maria Walker, duty emergency response co-ordinator for Aberdeenshire Council, said: “As we enter a period of recovery for those communities affected there is still a great deal of work ahead of us, but improving conditions have allowed agencies to achieve a great deal today.

“The councils, emergency services and communities will continue to provide support in the days and weeks ahead of us but there are a number of infrastructure issues that will take some time to fully recover from.

“On behalf of all the agencies, I would like to thank everybody involved for their continuing efforts in such challenging circumstances.”