UK

Major flooding in Scotland as motorists airlifted to safety after landslides

A severe flood warning is in place in parts of Scotland as torrential rain and flooding continue to affect the region.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued the warning for the northern Aviemore/Dalfaber area, saying a “risk to life” remained.

Extensive flooding is expected in and around Aviemore, with rivers forecast to slowly peak throughout Sunday, according to the agency.

Read more: Get the latest Sky News weather forecast

It urged anyone in the area to stay away from floodwater, avoid unnecessary risks and comply with any evacuation orders.

In total, more than 50 flood warnings are in place across Scotland.

It follows heavy rainfall starting on Saturday and continuing throughout the night.

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“It’s been a rough weekend across Scotland, with severe weather causing widespread travel disruption to road and rail networks and impacts in communities from Greenock to Aviemore,” SEPA flood duty manager Vincent Fitzsimons said.

“Our teams have been working around the clock with Scottish Government and the Met Office in the lead into and across this major weather event.”

“It’s a day to stay alert, not stand down. The risk to life remains,” he added.

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Earlier the Met Office issued an amber “risk to life” alert across Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland which ended at 2pm.

Although the rain is expected to subside throughout the afternoon, ScotRail has said severe disruption is expected to continue throughout the day, with a number of lines closed and speed restrictions still in place.

It said essential checks to lines were being carried out before trains could run and is urging passengers to check before travelling.

Lines closed throughout Sunday include Edinburgh/Glasgow to Inverness, Aberdeen to Inverurie, and Inverness to Elgin.

On Saturday, 10 people were airlifted to safety after extreme rainfall caused multiple landslides.

Aerial footage showed soil stretching across the A83 between Tarbet and Lochgilphead – with the A815 also affected.

The A83 remained closed on Sunday after around 2,000 tonnes of debris fell onto the surface.

Police have advised people in the area to avoid travel.

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Extreme rainfall has caused several landslides across Scotland.

A number of events across Scotland were also called off on Saturday due to the weather.

The third round of the Alfred Dunhill Links golf championship at St Andrews was postponed.

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