Lessons will be learned from the emergency response to recent extreme weather and flooding in Perth and Kinross, it was promised this week.
Representatives from Perth and Kinross Council, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Sepa, Scottish Water and PKAVS met community resilience groups in Highland Perthshire for debriefing sessions.
Held in Blair Atholl, Pitlochry and Aberfeldy town halls, they examined what went well and what could have been done better during the recent storms, how warnings could be improved and what could be done to reduce future risk.
“It went really, really well, there was lots of positive engagement,” said Councillor Mike Williamson whose idea the events were.
“We need to build up the communities to become a bit more resilient.
“Some were cut off and had to wait for resources to be brought in.”
He said that council officials will now consider the information gleaned from the sessions and other similar events are due to be held elsewhere in Perth and Kinross.
The role played by council staff and other agencies in assisting the public during the recent extreme weather and flooding was recognised by councillors this week.
The full council unanimously endorsed a motion made by councillors Andrew Parrott and Archie MacLellan which read: “The council recognises the dedication and hard work of Perth and Kinross Council staff and the staff of all other agencies involved in preparing for, monitoring and alleviating the effects of the extreme weather and flooding experienced in recent weeks and thanks all involved for their very great efforts on behalf of the local community.”
The motion also noted the effectiveness of the city flood defences in “sparing the city from possibly repeated and large scale inundation” and expressed sympathy to all whose homes or businesses suffered flood damage.
Mr Parrott said the scale of the disaster which the defences averted was brought home to him as he stood on the flood embankment with the water rising on one side and the houses of North Muirton in Perth on the other side.
Mr MacLellan added his voice to the debate by paying tribute to all the council staff and those of other agencies for their swift response to the flood threat.
The power of “team work in very adverse conditions” by the police and fire services was commended by Councillor Douglas Pover