First Minister visits flood-hit community

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has visited Hawick in the Scottish Borders, one of the communities worst affected by Storm Dennis.

The First Minister met people affected by the severe weather and flooding and thanked the local authority, emergency services and responders.

Last week the town was also hit by Storm Ciara which saw part of a guest house and a neighbouring restaurant fall into the River Teviot.

The First Minister said:

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who is working tirelessly to repair the damage caused by these floods.

“This has been an extremely difficult time for people who have been affected and our thoughts continue to be with these communities.

“Reducing flood risk is a priority for the Scottish Government. That is why we are providing local authorities with £42 million each year through the Local Government Capital Grant to help them invest in flood protection measures.”

Background

The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes through Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants. Crisis Grants are available to those hit by crisis such as a flood.

Local authorities can apply for funding under the Bellwin Scheme for discretionary funding which exists to give special financial assistance to councils who face an undue financial burden as a result of large-scale emergencies.