Oban couple who suffered £60k of flood damage fear further downpour will destroy their home

Hugh said: “I’ve been fighting the council for 30 years to clean this burn and they keep sweeping it under the carpet. 

“After a flood, they spend money to send people out to do surveys of the burn but then nothing ever happens.”

Hugh added that some years ago the council promised £10,000 in spending to stop the burn flooding but plans to clear it never came to fruition.

When the couple were evacuated from the house during last October’s flood, they had to move into their daughter’s house temporarily. 

Hugh explained: “My daughter was devastated and our grandchildren were crying. When I contact the council I always say how would you like it if your parents or grandparents had to live like this?”

Unable to sell the house due to its tendency to flood, the couple have been forced to try to waterproof the home themselves and have invested £2,000 of their own money in pumps.

After calling a local councillor today to voice their fears around the forecast heavy rain, sand bags were dropped at the front door. While Hugh appreciates the help, he says the bags will make little difference.

Businesses in the nearby Lochavullin area have also been struggling with long-term flooding problems too and have been preparing for more chaos.

Lachie Strathearn, of LMS Auto Services, is bracing himself for what he fears will be another "inevitable" day of disruption.

He said: "I can no longer get flood insurance for this place so any costs will come out of my own pocket. I shudder to think about what could happen."

Hire & Supplies Ltd, on Mill Lane, have also moved "in full flood defence mode" and have been moving everything up onto pallets.

Manager Mary-Ann Murray said: "We’ve done all we can do to limit the damage. We’ll just have to wait and see what comes as the day progresses."

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “We are monitoring water levels and urge businesses and residents to do what they can to protect their properties.

“We continue with flood mitigation works in partnership with SEPA. We have a draft flood prevention scheme for Oban which is currently unfunded. 

“This will require significant funding and we are actively pursuing possible funding opportunities.”