Organisers give update on tonight's new year Oban fireworks display

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued three severe Flood Warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas with very high river levels forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey, with a danger to life.

Further warnings are in place over large parts of Scotland with rivers expected to continue to rise, especially across Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside where impacts are most likely.

The Met Office issued an amber warning for rain that covers parts of the southern Highlands and Moray, valid until 5pm today (Tuesday December 31). A yellow warning for rain and snow covering much of the rest of Scotland remains in place until midnight today. There is also a yellow warning for wind across southern Scotland from 7am to 11pm today.

Police Scotland is encouraging road users in the area covered by the amber warning to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the area.

Drivers are reporting bad flooding on the A828 from Connel to Fort William, on a stretch from Creagan Bridge to Ballachulish. 

One said on Tuesday morning: "I have travelled from Oban as far as Creagan Bridge thus far in something that weighs more than 11 tonnes empty. The roads are horrendous. If you’re in a car slow down, you will not make it. To the two who already got a big fright, glad you’re okay. Flooding is big all the way."

Another added this morning: "Left Oban at 6.30am, now at Lochaline. It was rough."

Further south, the A82 Loch Lomond road "between Crianlarich and Tarbet is extremely bad too," reported another driver today.

Yesterday was the worst one driver had seen. "I drove from Taynuilt to Glasgow Airport [Monday] morning and it was indeed horrendous and it was still bucketing it down at the time," they said. "Most horrid drive of my life! I’ve never seen so much water on any roads, nor blown up from the waterfalls over the dodgy windscreen wipers."

On Monday, drivers also reported "big puddles" on the A85 around Loch Awe, and Loch Nell burst its banks at the south end, flooding the lochside road into Kilmore. 

Minister for Resilience Angela Constance said: “Severe flood warnings with a danger to life are rarely issued and it’s imperative all those in the affected areas play their part to stay safe. I would urge everyone to take action now by staying away from flood water and not taking any unnecessary risks. Please follow the advice of emergency services and first responders on the ground, and where advised to evacuate please do so.

“I would also recommend to keep updated with Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s live flooding updates and consider now any steps needed to be prepared for flooding impacts.

“I know many people will have plans to celebrate Hogmanay with friends and family but with road, rail, air and ferry services all likely to be affected by the conditions, I would urge everyone to please plan ahead to make sure it is safe to travel, and to follow Police and Transport Scotland travel advice on the roads. Anyone planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, should also stay in contact with their operator for the latest service information."

Cordelia Menmuir, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: "We have issued three severe flood warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas. As a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall overnight very high river levels are forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey. There is a danger to life.

“The severe flood warnings are for Sluggan to Dulnain Bridge, Kincraig to Inverdruie, and Aviemore/Dalfabar. Extensive river flooding is forecast and there will be widespread disruption to transport, infrastructure, and property flooding. Remember to follow the advice of emergency responder and do not walk or drive through flood water."