Scores of homes evacuated by rescue teams as river bursts banks

Scores of homes have been evacuated in Aberdeenshire after the River Don burst its banks and the River Ythan threatened to overflow, while people in an area of Aberdeen were advised to leave their properties.

Teams from the Scottish Fire Service and the coastguard mounted an operation to rescue residents, some reported to be elderly, from 38 properties in Port Elphinstone, near Inverurie, as the swollen Don sent floodwaters racing down the streets.

A further 18 homes were evacuated from the Bruce Crescent and Meadows areas of Ellon as the Ythan rose through the night.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "The Don has burst its banks in a number of places in Port Elphinstone and there has been localised flooding across the area.

"Fire search and rescue lead on the evacuation with the coastguard assisting and police are on the scene."

Motorists were advised to avoid making journeys in the area unless essential.

Heavy rain in the past weeks has seen flooding across Scotland, forcing people from their homes and causing major travel disruption.

Roads have been closed and trains and flights cancelled in Aberdeen and across the surrounding region as water levels reached record highs.

Residents in the city's Grandholm area were urged to leave their homes amid fears the River Don will burst its banks there.

A police spokeswoman said: "The Grandholm and Millside areas have seen some flooding and roads are affected by surface water in Aberdeen city centre. There have been some advised evacuations."