First Minister to visit Brechin following Storm Babet

First Minister Humza Yousaf will visit River Street in Brechin today where the River South Esk burst its banks on Friday.

The First Minister is expected to meet residents who have been impacted by the storm and thank volunteers, the local council and the emergency services for their work in supporting people evacuated from their properties.

Angus Council has had an overwhelming response to an appeal for accommodation for those unable to return home because of the damage caused by the floods. In addition, a call for clothing and toiletries led to hundreds of donations.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the First Minister 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 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.

“The local community in Brechin, like others across Scotland, has come together to offer support to all those affected by the floods with Angus Council receiving hundreds of offers of alternative accommodation for those forced to leave their homes.

“The process of assessing the full amount of damage caused in all areas affected by the storm is now underway. This will take some time and we are working closely with local authorities to support the people and businesses affected.”

Angus Council Chief Executive Margo Williamson said:

“I am tremendously proud of Angus’ response to Storm Babet. Working closely with partners from across Tayside we have done our best to preserve life in extremely challenging conditions. I would like to pay tribute to everyone who supported this effort, particularly our volunteer organisations such as the Red Cross, Voluntary Action Angus, and our Tayside 4x4 drivers who have played a vital part in this operation.

“Our staff in the council, in the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, and our leisure trust ANGUSAlive, have all gone above and beyond, facing challenges on an unprecedented scale.

“I would also like to reassure the residents of Angus, who have shown such community spirit, that their care and support is our absolute priority, particularly those who are displaced. We are now firmly focused on making a full recovery, and this work has already started.”