Householders and businesses in the north-east of Scotland who were hit by flooding were continuing the clean-up operation today as heavy rainfall in some parts of Scotland was expected to give way to showers.

Floods up to 5ft deep caused chaos on the roads and damage to homes and businesses following Sunday's downpours.

The north-east was hit worst by the weather with communities in Huntly, Aberdeenshire and the coastal town of Stonehaven counting the cost of the damage.

Claire Austin, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the said parts of Scotland could experience more localised downpours early today.

But heavy rainfall will be replaced by showers and brighter weather across much of the country by this afternoon.

She said: "There could be a few downpours in Scotland, but it won't be on the scale we have just seen. There will be showers about as the rain makes its way eastwards and then clears across most of the country."

Frank MacDonald, owner of the Harbour Bakery in Stonehaven, said the clean-up work at his shop would continue today.

He said: "I will be losing thousands of pounds over the next couple of weeks. It will be weeks before the shop opens."

Mr MacDonald said the bakery may be running again by the weekend but he was "not sure".

Superintendent Innes Walker, from Grampian Police, said: "Grampian Police and our partner organisations will not relax our vigilance until we are absolutely sure that any danger to life and property has passed.

"Drivers should exercise extreme caution over the next few days as there may still be a lot of water on the roads.

"In severe weather conditions, motorists should always cut their speed and leave a safe distance between themselves and the vehicle in front."

Meanwhile MSP for West Aberdeenhshire and Kincardine Mike Rumbles has called for First Minister Alex Salmond to set up an emergency flood fund for those affected.

Video: The Morning After Heavy Flooding in Stonehaven

Video: Floods Hit Huntly

Video: Fire Brigade Union accuse Fire Service of endangering lives during floods

View our viewers picture gallery of the floods here