The Scottish Government may give emergency financial assistance to East Ayrshire Council to help them deal with the costs of storm damage earlier in the month.

The money could be used to pay for repairs on roads and buildings after flash flooding ruined properties and closed thoroughfares.

Councils are expected to keep some money aside for such emergencies, but the East Ayrshire Council has called on the Government to make some funds available.

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This would be through the Bellwin Scheme, a discretionary scheme which allows the Government to give financial assistance to councils who faced an undue financial burden as a result of large-scale emergencies.

Government ministers are considering awarding some cash to the council to help in flood-struck areas, but warned that entitlement to assistance was not automatic.

Finance secretary John Swinney is to look into the request when formal claims have come in from the council.

(NE)