The Scottish Government has released an extra £10 million for councils across Scotland to carry out road maintenance works.

The funding was announced by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay following the extended wintry weather in recent months

Details of the fund's distribution to all 32 councils will be agreed with COSLA.

Mr Mackay said: "Scotland experienced unprecedented levels of extreme weather in recent months, culminating in the issuing of our first-ever Red Alert for snow by the Met Office in late February.

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"The severe weather led to local authorities incurring unexpected additional costs to their maintenance budgets, and simultaneously caused more damage to Scotland's road network.

"By assisting councils to keep our road networks safe and efficient, we're not only improving conditions for road users, we're also extending the life span of that network – benefiting the wider economy.

"We have agreed a local government finance settlement of £10.7 billion, which will provide a real terms boost in both revenue and capital spending to support local services, including winter maintenance."

COSLA's Resources Spokesperson, Cllr Gail Macgregor, added: "While Councils budget for the impacts of winter weather, the ‘Beast from the East' was unexpected and led to a significant financial strain. We are pleased that the Scottish Government have recognised the impact on Councils with this additional funding, however the financial toll will continue to be felt for some time."

(LM/MH)