The Scottish Government have launched a new action plan to help homeowners and businesses prevent damage caused by flooding.

'Living With Flooding' sets out advice to stop or mitigate flooding and says minor adaptions, such as installing a flood guard and raising the height of electrical sockets, can prevent damage or reduce the amount of time spent in temporary accommodation.

Launching the action plan in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, which was hit by flooding in 2012, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "Flooding is devastating for those affected, from the initial emotional shock of having possessions or stock destroyed, to the financial strain of leaving your home or closing your business.

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"We must be more creative and pragmatic in our approach to adapting to the increased threat that climate change will bring. It is important that we work together to ensure we are more resilient to flooding.

"I hope everyone with a property at risk of flooding will benefit from this action plan."

Karen Donald from AXA Insurance, Chair of the Property Flood Resilience Delivery Group, also said: "While there continues to be action to help alleviate the effects of flooding, such as flood schemes and urban draining schemes, the responsibility for protecting property rests with the owner.

"This action plan equips homeowners and businesses with information about effective measures that can make a big difference in the event of a flood."

(MH/CM)