For those who witnessed the floods that tore through an idyllic Fife hamlet, the images are unlikely to ever fade.
However, almost three years after torrential rain wrought destruction throughout Dura Den, engineering work to restore the local road through the community is almost complete.
The £800,000 project to reinstate the road is in its final stages, and officials hope the route could reopen by October.
A major step has just been completed, with contractors having finished retaining walls to support the once-ruined carriageway.
Though having been finished behind schedule, Fife Council’s executive spokesperson for environment and transportation, Pat Callaghan, said that the conclusion of the work was a significant step forward.
“I’m delighted to see this project reach this major milestone despite the difficulties encountered,” he said.
“The contractor has worked well to limit the impact on the community.
“I thank local residents for their patience and ask for their continued support as the works enter their final phase.”
Residents of the hamlet were evacuated from their homes early on October 12 2012 following heavy overnight rain.
A large section of the main road through the community had collapsed given the weight of the water flowing down from the local hills.
One house which had its gable wall swept away by the torrent of water was eventually demolished, given the extent of the damage.
The C45 road has remained closed while extensive repair work has been undertaken. However, residents can now expect tranquillity to return to their community following three years.
The last part of the project will include improvements to drainage leading into the Ceres Burn and the final stages of the road resurfacing.
Scottish Water will be on site from next week to carry out pipe diversion work, while the roadworks are scheduled to begin on August 31.
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk