SCOTLAND'S small building contractors have undoubtedly received a financial boost from the hurricane-force storms during the holiday period, but it will take weeks to assess how much extra business was churned up in the wake.

Since the first storm tore through on Boxing Day with gusts of up to 95mph, contractors throughout the country have been busy helping businesses and home owners cope with the damage.

Sid Patten, chief executive of the Scottish Builders Employers' Federation, said most of the organisation's 1200 general

contracting members expected to remain rushed for the next few weeks.

''Right now we're just trying to get a feel for what level of damage the storms have caused,'' Patten said.

''The industry has officially come back to work only yesterday, so we don't have the level of

contact we would normally have.''

Many small contractors called employees back from their seasonal two-week break to help cope with demand. The main problem has been a lack of supplies, with some work having to be done on a temporary basis until permanent repair materials can be found.

The Association of British Insurers expects the total bill to run into at least tens of

millions, although firm figures will not be available for six weeks.

Based on anecdotal evidence, Patten said small contractors in the West of Scotland seemed to have the most storm-related repair work to contend with. Roofers throughout the country also report being particularly busy.

''After Monday, which was another very bad day, it will take some time to clear up the mess,'' he added.