Flood teams have been deployed throughout the locality since Friday night in response to the yellow weather warnings for heavy rainfall over the weekend.

Working in partnership with colleagues from Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue, East Ayrshire Council teams supported several communities, including Cumnock, Auchinleck, Kilmarnock and the Irvine Valley.

In advance of SEPA declaring a flood warning, the council declared a major incident in Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.

Water levels were high in areas around the Kilmarnock Water and River Irvine and teams have worked tirelessly to protect local properties from rising water levels. Over 7000 sandbags were distributed in efforts to prevent water entering households. Pumps were deployed in many areas to reduce water levels.

The council worked closely with Scottish Power Energy Networks to protect primary electricity stations, but for a small number of commercial properties around the Queens Drive area, power supplies have been disrupted. Scottish Power remain on site to monitor the situation.

East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership supported vulnerable residents over the weekend and established a reception centre at Rosebank Resource Centre for any residents requiring assistance.

Throughout the event they supported residents and minimised the effect on residential properties. The council worked with partners to limit the impact on businesses in the Queens Drive area and carried out an early evacuation of shops and premises.

Looking ahead, the council has been advised that no rain is forecast. Water levels are expected to recede, but pumps and personnel will remain in place in the worst affected areas overnight. Water levels have plateaued and SEPA will continue to monitor as they return to normal.

Roads in the affected areas will remain closed until the water has receded and we can fully inspect the condition of the roads and bridges. Teams will be on the ground facilitating the clean-up operation from early Monday morning and will continue to offer full support to affected residents and business owners.

East Ayrshire Council wishes to thank the public for their positive feedback and support with these matters.