PARTS OF Scotland were on flood alert yesterday as heavy rain and high winds gusting up to 57 mph lashed the country.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said flood watches were in force in coastal areas around Dundee and rivers in Fife, Angus and the Highlands.

Heavy rain continued throughout the day, making driving conditions hazardous, and high-sided vehicles were banned from the Tay Road Bridge.

The high winds lowered the speed limit on the Tay Road Bridge to 30 mph for most of the day and throughout last night.

The Met Office had advised the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency that persistent heavy rainfall would hit many parts of Scotland yesterday, particularly eastern areas, which could lead to localised flooding.

However, Tayside Police last night said they had not had to deal with any flooding related incidents.

SEPA is urging those who live, work or travel in flood risk areas to be prepared for the possibility of flooding.

They have 15 flood watches in force covering: Dee, Bervie and Kincardine rivers; Don, Banff and Buchan rivers; Dundee coastal; Edinburgh and Lothians rivers; Falkirk rivers; Fife and Clackmannanshire rivers; Findhorn and Nairn; Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire rivers; Highland Angus rivers; Isla and Ericht; Lower Tay and tributaries; Lowland Angus rivers; Stirling rivers; The Scottish Borders; and Upper Spey