Homes in Fife town flooded by Storm Gerrit just days after Christmas

Storm Gerrit saw strong winds and heavy rain batter much of Scotland leading to flooding – including in the town of Cupar in Fife.

Some residents had to be rescued as floodwater submerged streets and entered their homes just days after Christmas.

James Matheson, 37, was hoping to drive to Edinburgh but was stranded in Cupar, Fife, as floods blocked both roads out of the town, where his parents live.

Cupar, Fife, flooded by Storm Gerrit. Credit: Bruce Russell Bruce Russell

The PR consultant said: “It’s the worst flooding we’ve seen in this part of the town in my lifetime and in the 35 years my family has lived here.”

He said flooding is affecting two parts of the town, adding: “Thankfully [my parents’] house is OK as it’s further up the hill, we just have no access to the town and I can’t leave Cupar via car until one of the floods has subsided.

Scotland

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People travelling have been warned that they are likely to face disruption as a result of the storm.

“There are a handful of homes in this area that are impacted and they are being evacuated or support is being brought to them.”

Many railway routes remain closed and will not reopen until safety checks have been carried out in the wake of Storm Gerrit.

Edinburgh to Cupar is one of those affected along with the Far North and Kyle Line, Aberdeen to Dundee, Aberdeen to Inverness, Balloch to Bowling and Largs to Fairlie routes, as well as the Highland Mainline and West Highland Lines.

Network Rail said: “Once a line has been fully checked and is confirmed safe to reopen, we will do this right away, allowing services to resume as quickly as possible.”