Swinney urges public to prepare for snow and heavy rain in run-up to Hogmanay

John Swinney has warned the public to stay safe amid high winds, rainfall and snow during the remainder of the festive season.

The First Minister asked Scots to take advice from the the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and the Met Office following weather warnings for Monday to Thursday.

Sepa has urged people in the North West and Central Highlands to “be prepared, be aware” as flooding is expected in the run-up to Hogmanay.

On X, Mr Swinney said: “There are weather warnings issued for Monday and for Hogmanay. Please follow all of the advice available and stay safe.”

Heavy and persistent rain is forecast for Monday and Tuesday in Scotland, following an already wet Sunday – with Sepa putting nine flood alerts and one flood warning in place as of 7.30pm on Sunday.

The organisation says it is monitoring the situation 24/7 and is working with partner agencies.

Pascal Lardet, Sepa flood duty manager, said: “Some very high river levels are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, in particular, the Spey and other rivers in the Great Glen and Easter Ross area. Levels on the River Tay and other rivers across the Central Highlands will also be high.

“We’re likely to see river and surface water flooding impacts across these areas, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities.

“Flooding of property, infrastructure, roads and the rail network are all possible. We urge everyone to be prepared and be aware.

“If you live or work in the affected areas, or are planning to visit, think about any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts – and consider whether your journey is necessary.”

Residents and those travelling through the affected areas have been asked to check Sepa’s Scottish Flood Forecast, which also uses data from the Met Office.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued multiple rain and snow warnings between Monday and Thursday across the whole of Scotland.

For those celebrating Hogmanay, heavy downpours and snowfall may cause “significant disruption” across northern Scotland, with up to 140mm of rainfall on Monday and Tuesday.

On its website, the Met Office says the north, east and Perthshire are likely to experience up to 20cm of snowfall.

Strong winds are expected to exacerbate the impact of the snow, particularly in higher areas, such as Sutherland and Caithness, with warnings that powerlines may freeze over.

Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said: “Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week.

“With such a varied and complex weather situation, there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas.

“With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”