'The inside was crumbling all around us' - Hawick Flood Group chairman reveals horror of Bridge House collapse
Mop-up operation underway after Storm Ciara batters the Borders
Last updated 14th Mar 2023
A massive mop-up operation is underway after Storm Ciara battered the Borders - causing widespread disruption across the region.
Some homes and businesses had to be evacuated and roads were blocked off as rivers burst their banks following heavy rain over the weekend.
In Hawick, part of the Bridge House - home to Sonia's Bistro and Bridge House B&B - was washed away after collapsing into the River Teviot.
All guests were safely evacuated before part of a kitchen and bedroom disappeared under water.
Local councillor Stuart Marshall, who chairs Hawick Flood Group, helped raise the alarm.
He told Radio Borders News: "It's very sad indeed that this building has stood for 250 years and has now been virtually eaten up by the river.
"I was one of the last persons out of the building at 10am this (Sunday) morning when I visited the owner and called the emergency services.
"The inside was crumbling all around us.
"We also had to evacuate the guests from this very popular bed and breakfast."
He added: "Our town will be numb by this news and only strengthens the importance of a flood protection scheme for Hawick."
The Met Office upgraded its warning for heavy rain for the south of Scotland from Yellow to Amber on Sunday.
But a further weather warning for snow and wind remains in place for Monday and Tuesday - with up to 20cm of snow being forecast.
Scottish Borders Council opened its Bunker in Newtown St Boswells to monitor the storm, and help co-ordinate the emergency response.
A spokesperson for the local authority says: "The Yellow Weather Warning is valid from midnight Sunday to midnight Tuesday, with up to 10cm of snow possible over 300m. This covers almost entirely the whole of the Scottish Borders.
"Whilst accumulations at low levels may only be temporary, strong winds will lead to blizzard conditions at times, as well as drifting snow. There may be local accumulations over higher ground of up to 20cm. This may lead to travel disruption and power cuts, due to the risk of frequent lightning.
"Our Emergency Planning Centre has been operational from 11pm on Saturday, with staff from a range of services monitoring and responding to the heavy rain which resulted in widespread local flooding. It will open again early on Monday morning to respond to any wind and snow related issues.
"Due to concerns about potential property flooding in Hawick, preparations were made for the opening of a rest centre in the town. However as the Teviot peaked twice below the critical level this was not required.
"Building Control officers have been involved in the assessment of damage caused to a riverside building in the Albert Road area of Hawick.
"Flooding in low-lying areas of Jedburgh resulted in the closure of subways, while flooding also impacted on the Tweed Green area of Peebles. Some streets in Newcastleton were also affected by flooding, but no properties were impacted.
"The A699 at Springwood Park, Kelso has been closed due to flooding. The river is unlikely to peak here until at least 4pm and therefore the road will likely remain closed overnight. Drivers should not ignore road closed signs."
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