Emergency financial assistance will be made available for councils who fall under the Bellwin Scheme, the Scottish Government has revealed.

The discretionary funding scheme exists to give special funding support to local authorities who face an undue financial burden as a result of large-scale emergencies.

As the recent heavy snowfall begins to melt, Scottish Borders Council requested the scheme was triggered and applications are now open for all councils severely impacted by recent weather events as well as those at risk from flooding.

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Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: "We are committed to helping our communities remain resilient and this support will help local councils deal with any immediate and unforeseen costs resulting from the recent heavy snow falls and ongoing cold weather.

"Although we expect to have seen the worst of the severe weather, we're aware there remains a flooding risk in some areas as the snow melts.

"The Scottish Government has been holding regular meetings of the Scottish Government's Resilience Room (SGoRR) to monitor the situation and I would urge people continue to take care and to check for the latest guidance from Police Scotland throughout the day."

(LM)