A burn that overflowed and swamped a Perthshire town was inspected by flood risk officers just weeks earlier and given a clean bill of health despite fallen trees and logs placed dangerously close to the water’s edge.
Alyth residents insist that Friday morning’s devastation, which caused millions of pounds of damage, was the result of a “man-made disaster”.
After a night of torrential downpours, trees and logs from upstream Den of Alyth a site of scientific interest were swept into the town and clogged up a series of bridges.
A week on, the local community is now demanding answers from Scottish Natural Heritage amid claims that fellers had been advised to leave chopped down trees alone to help preserve beetles and other bug-life.
SNH said it does encourage deadwood to be left alone for insects in conservation zones, but insisted it had made no such order at the Alyth den.
Residents called for answers at a packed meeting of the town’s community council.
Around 200 people, including many who were forced out of their homes and businesses, attended the town hall gathering.
Flood engineer Russell Stewart said that Alyth Burn had been assessed by flood risk inspectors just weeks before the disaster and no problems were raised.
David Sim, whose DIY shop in the square is likely to be out of action for several months, said: “The town is in a very distressed state and we are very fortunate that it is just our business that has been severely hit. I can only sympathise with people whose homes have been affected.
“I feel the council needs to push on and get the burn completely clear. SNH and this site of scientific interest should not take precedence over the community of Alyth.”
Community councillor Brett Antonson said: “I have walked the Den regularly and for years I’ve been noticed trees lying very close to the edge.
“All the trees have simply been dropped and left for the insects. I would have thought the people of Alyth should have as much attention paid to them as these wee beasties.”
Council leader Ian Miller said: “Work is already going on to assess the damage here. The infrastructure that we have lost can be replaced and we will do our utmost to get that back in place as quickly as possible.
“I agree with comments that have been made about trees lying in the den.
“We need to get SNH onto this.
He added: “The footbridges will be replaced, but unfortunately they will never be the same as they were in the past. We will make sure the design of these bridges lessens the damming effect.”