A new flood warning service for the east coast has been launched.
Twenty-eight coastal areas connected to the firths of Forth and Tay will be covered by the service offered by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
Residents from the Scottish Borders to Angus can receive advance flood warnings to their phone, 24 hours a day.
A campaign to encourage people to sign up to receive the free warnings was launched in Edinburgh.
Dr David Pirie, Sepa’s director of science and strategy, said: “We are delighted to launch the new coastal flood warning service for the firths of Forth and Tay. It represents a major investment in building community resilience to coastal flooding. As we saw before Christmas, this can cause significant disruption and damage so it’s vital we are aware and prepared for it.”
Sepa said the new scheme is a development of its Floodline service which has seen more than 14,000 people sign up to it since it was launched.
Communities along the estuaries on the east coast in Angus, Tayside, Fife, Falkirk, Edinburgh, East Lothian and the Borders are covered by the service.
Anyone connected to the 28 areas, whether they live or work there, or travel through them, is encouraged to sign up to receive alerts on the likelihood and timing of any flooding threat.
Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “In recent weeks we have seen just how damaging coastal flooding can be to our local communities. It is important that we do everything in our power to protect, help and prepare people who are living or working in areas at risk from flooding.
“Advance warnings can make a huge difference and I’m delighted that we now have the first ever coastal flood warning service for the east of Scotland. This new scheme is a crucial step to make sure local communities are informed and ready well in advance of any potential flooding.”
People can sign up at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup or by calling 08459 881 188.