Record rainfall brings flooding to parts of Lanarkshire

Nov 26 2009 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

SCOTLAND’S wettest November day on record brought flooding to many parts of Lanarkshire.

Fields, roads and even properties were underwater as up to three inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period between Thursday and Friday.

Although Lanarkshire was not as badly effected as Dumfries and Galloway, the torrential downpour still caused a headache for householders, drivers and council staff.

In Hamilton, Fairhill Avenue was closed several times throughout Thursday.

A blocked culvert in an adjacent field was blamed for the problems.

Water from fields flowed on to High Blantyre Road, forcing its closure for a time.

And the council staff used pumps to prevent the Earnock Burn from overflowing.

There have been several incidents in the past where heavy rain has swollen the waters of the burn and led to flooding in Lady Watson Gardens.

A council spokesman said that this time, by using the pump “constantly,” they were able to keep the water level in check.

Elsewhere in South Lanarkshire, the River Clyde burst its banks at Rosebank, flooding the garden of the Popinjay Hotel but leaving the interior untouched.

Akram Mohammed, who owns the Popinjay along with ex-Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson and two other business pals, said: “The garden of the hotel was flooded and the plant room under the swimming pool and laundry room, in the basement, were under water, but the water did not get into the hotel proper.

“We were a bit concerned for a time because we had a wedding next day but everything was fine.

“The water went away fairly quickly but had it gone any higher we would have been in trouble.”

The waters of the Clyde also forced the closure of the A72 Clyde Valley road and a diversion had to be put in place.

Rising river levels also led to the closure of the B7016 at Medwyn, near Carnwath, and the C32 at Boat Bridge, Thankerton.

Water from a field flowed on to the B7018 Eastwood Road, near Brocketsbrae, causing its closure for a while.

And, according to the council, Glengonnar Cottage, near Abington, was flooded because by the swollen waters of the Clyde.

A council spokesman said: “Heavy rain had been forecast for South Lanarkshire last week, with the worst days expected to be Thursday and Friday.

“Given this information, all known problem areas were checked and cleared and shift systems set up at the depots.

“All plant was mobilised and vactors (large tankers with a pump at the back to help get rid of excess water) were hired early to cope with the expected problems.

“From Wednesday night right through to Friday afternoon, workers were out dealing with the many minor incidents as they happened.”