Around 100 residents of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, had to leave their houses in the early hours of Sunday when the River Carron burst its banks and water rose to waist height. The community has been donating gifts to those affected.

All flood warnings were yesterday removed from Scotland following days of heavy rain.

The dry Christmas Day came as a relief for communities along the east coast in particular that have been hit by severe weather over the last two weeks.

Stonehaven Community Council chairman Michael Innes said: "The response has been unreal: toys, clothes, bedding, biscuits – you name it.

"People have actually been buying things then donating them. Some have been giving the Christmas present they bought for others."

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency had 12 flood warnings in place yesterday but they have now been removed.

Parts of Fife were also hit by flooding over the last few days and police warned motorists of black ice as water left on the roads begins to freeze.

MeteoGroup forecaster Chris Burton said heavy showers could return tonight but mainly in the south of the country, adding: "As the rain moves north through the night, it could turn to snow and sleet, particularly in higher parts, but not for long."