The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is warning that the Inverness-Aberdeen rail line is at risk of flooding due to persistent rainfall since Friday.

 River levels in Scotland have been rising over the weekend, particularly across Tayside, Angus and southern Aberdeenshire. Some rivers have already peaked, with most  peaking over the course of Monday, but all will stay high throughout today. 

Parts of Aberdeenshire, Tayside and Angushave seen flooding impacts to properties, roads, and farmland, with disruption to travel. The Agency said particular focus is on Perth, Brechin, Aberdeen and communities in the Kintore-Inverurie area, where the Inverness-Aberdeen rail line is at risk. 

Although the focus of flooding impacts is firmly fixed on north eastern areas, heavy showers across Caithness and the eastern areas of the Scottish Borders, could result in some localised flooding due to saturated ground conditions. Any impacts are likely to be confined to individual properties, low lying agricultural land and minor roads.

Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Hydrology Duty Manager said:

"We are working closely with our partners in the Met Office, affected local authorities and the emergency services to ensure they receive the most up to date forecasts on potential flooding.”

Late on Monday evening SEPA had more than 30 flood warnings and four flood alerts in place.

Perth’s flood defence scheme is facing its most significant test since it was built over 10 years ago, with people warned to stay away from the banks of the Tay.

There were also fears for the future of In Aberdeenshire the historic Abergeldie Castle 16th century is on the brink of collapsing into the swollen River Dee after the river swept away about 60ft (18m) of land behind the property, leaving it only a few feet from the water.