50 YEARS AGO Strath hit by flooding after torrential rain

“Dangerous flooding was reported on all the roads around Crieff,”reported the Herald following two days of “intermittent, thundery downpours”.

“Some bus drivers were complaining of water up to the second step on their buses and almost requesting the issue of inflatable dinghys.

“The Lochearnhead road was flooded at the Lawers straight and in patches near St Fillans. Around Kinkell Bridge, between Auchterarder and Crieff on the Stirling road, and at Gorthy Toll on the Perth road there was dangerous flooding reported.

“Auchterarder was struck by a cloudburst on Tuesday afternoon when rain fell torrentially for over half an hour and created conditions outwith living memory in the town.

“The conduits at the side of the road were unable to cope with the rush of water, which overflowed the pavements like a river in full spate until it reached a depth of seven to eight inches.

“Cars proceeded in High Street with great difficulty, while several on the Western Road up to their axles in water had to stop until the flood subsided.

“Several business premises in the High Street were flooded out and shopkeepers had to suspend their activities for bailing out operations.

“Burgh workmen were kept busy for several hours clearing choked manholes, a particularly bad spot being at the corner of Orchil Road, where part of the carriageway was completely submerged.”