Staff from Argyll and Bute Council were on the scene quickly when heavy rainfall caused vast flooding in Cowal at the weekend.

Teams from the Council’s Roads and Amenity Services were dispatched to nine locations across the area, along with a team of contractors, to deal with the floods and help clear away dirt and debris that had washed onto public roads from higher ground.

Various sections of road surface and walls were damaged and drains were blocked as a result. The worst affected area was Colintraive, where a digger was needed to clear the road.

Council employees will continue to clear material from the blocked drains this week and any necessary repairs to road surfaces and walls will be carried out in due course.

This flooding was the second weather incident which caused disruption in Argyll and Bute last week. On Wednesday (23 August), Council staff responded when a gutter was washed out on Coll and a retaining wall collapsed on Mull as a result of thunder and lightning.

The Council’s Policy Lead for Roads and Amenity Services, Councillor Roddy McCuish, said: “The Council staff did an excellent job clearing the debris and ensuring that the roads network was made safe. Although the rain appears to have been very localised, it was extremely intense.

“These hard working, dedicated staff went beyond the call of duty in many respects and have done the council extremely proud. Well done to everyone involved.”

For further information telephone 01546 604 171, or email press@argyll-bute.gov.uk