Residents’ fears as Tay and tributaries swell

Concerned residents were keeping an eye on the Tay last night amid flood warnings after water levels continued to rise.

The North Inch in Perth was swamped after the river burst its banks.

Large sections of the Fair City park were submerged by early afternoon with the golf course and cycle paths badly affected.

In some places the water in the North Inch was so deep ducks could be seen swimming past the tops of sign posts along the green areas bike route while the tops of flags from the golf course were barely visible above the surface.

Sepa issued a fresh flood warning yesterday morning due to high water levels in the rivers Tay and Earn caused by rainfall and snowmelt.

The River Tummel in Pitlochry and River Isla at Coupar Angus were also at risk of flooding.

Roads around Aberfeldy were also submerged after the river burst its banks in Highland Perthshire.

Witnesses described the B846 as “almost closed” due to flooding but said motorists ignored signs and ploughed through the flood waters in an effort to reach the town.

Fairways and greens at Aberfeldy Golf Course also disappeared from view as the forewarned flood warnings came into effect.

Residents around the North Inch and North Muirton were warned by Sepa that they could be badly affected by the rising water levels, with basement flats and businesses most at risk.

A Sepa spokesman said: “A flood warning has been issued for basement properties from North Inch to Friarton Bridge.

“The Perth Flood Prevention Scheme is being activated.

“There is a risk to basement properties from water ingress while the river remains high.

“There may also be local surface water run-off and drainage issues.”

With the warnings in place, Perth and Kinross Council closed the floodgates in Perth yesterday morning.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “Due to high levels of water in the River Tay, Perth and Kinross Council is closing flood gates adjacent to the river in the Harbour, Shore Road, Tay Street, North Inch and North Muirton area of Perth as a precaution. Some flood gates may remain closed overnight into Monday.”

SUBMERGED: A man takes a photo of the viewing platform by the River Tay at the North Inch, Perth, which has been all but covered by flood water.

Signs protrude from the surface as ducks swim by.