Plans to build flood defences costing more than £1 million in Comrie will be speeded up after more than 200 residents were evacuated during this week's storms.

Perth and Kinross Council has pledged to invest in prevention measures after 150 properties were flooded when the Water of Ruchill burst its banks on Monday.

Scotland is bracing itself for more bad weather, with further downpours due across the country over the weekend.

Council leader Ian Miller said: "The money we are investing will ensure the recommended flood defences for Comrie will go ahead as soon as possible.

"While I am entirely sympathetic, I have to say nobody is to blame for such weather-related events.

"Experts have assessed the probability of a flood in the Comrie area as one in every 25 years.

"To have two in three months is clearly exceptional."

The money will be spent on building a wall at the site of the Roman fort in the village, flood embankments and erosion protection measures. The council will also remove fallen trees and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency is introducing a flood warning system for Comrie.

Tayside Fire and Rescue are still monitoring the situation in Comrie. More than 3000 flood sacks and 1000 sandbags have been issued.

Meanwhile severe flooding continue to affect parts of England. A man died after his car was trapped in flood waters in Chew Stoke near Bath and three elderly people were rescued after their car was swept down a Warwickshire ford. The storms left many travellers stranded as rail services to and from Exeter, Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads were scrapped until Monday.