SCOTLAND'S First Minister was in the Borders on Monday to pay tribute to the volunteers, local authority staff and emergency services personnel who worked round the clock during the weekend's floods.

Nicola Sturgeon also met with householders in Hawick who had to be evacuated as the Teviot and Slitrig reached record levels on Saturday into Sunday.

After a tour of Mansfield Road, the First Minister told the Border Telegraph: "The community responded terrifically well yet again at the weekend and I am here to show my appreciation to the countless volunteers who gave their time to help others.

"We know that the impact of flooding on towns like Hawick and Newcastleton is devastating for so many people, and many people are living in fear every time storms are forecast."

Preparation work has already started for the town's flood defences.

Although around 1,000 homes and business premises will be protected once the walls and embankments are complete, the project won't be finished for close to three years.

Ms Sturgeon added: "Communities like Hawick need assurances and that's why we are investing in flood protection schemes.

"I appreciate these schemes take time, from the initial consultations all the way through the build phase, and we as a government will look at ways we can accelerate timescales.

"Reducing flood risk is a priority for the Scottish Government.

"That is why we are providing local authorities with £42 million each year through the Local Government Capital Grant to help them invest in flood protection measures.”

During Saturday evening's floods close to 300 householders in 12 different streets were advised to make their properties safe and evacuate.

Although the vast majority narrowly escaped any damage, councillor Stuart Marshall from the town's voluntary Flood Group admits residents are becoming tired of the constant threat.

He said: "Saturday was the third time already this year that we've been getting out the sandbags and knocking on doors.

"The townsfolk are getting tired of seeing the rivers rise like they do.

"The Flood Protection Scheme is long overdue, and although it is three years until it is completed there is now a wee bit of light at the end of the tunnel."