A major clean-up operation is underway in Ballater after Storm Frank left a trail of devastation in the north-east town when the River Dee burst its banks.
About 200 homes have been affected by the floods as residents were airlifted to safety and rescuers used boats to free people from the rapidly rising waters.
Today local councillor Geva Blackett said the tourist town was “like a war zone” with battered cars lying abandoned on the streets and crumpled wrecks of caravans piled on top of each other.
Fire engines and diggers helped to clear away the debris and business owners were sweeping out the silt and dirt-sodden interiors after their shops had been left in tatters.
Prince Charles, Camilla and Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Ballater today to speak to residents and see the damage first hand.
Engineers have been hard at work trying to restore power to homes throughout the town.
Mr Swinney visited pensioners who spent the night at Victoria Barracks after being evacuated from their homes and having no power. He was shocked at the scenes in the town.
Discussions had been held prior to the storm hitting, he said and preparations were in place.
“We must remain focused on looking at what can be done to take as many steps as possible to avoid such situations happening again,” he said.
“What’s striking about listening to people in Ballater this morning is the speed and the ferocity with which this happened.
“The speed, ferocity and volume. Those are three difficult things to try to mitigate.”