Fire crews help shepherd after sheep become stranded by flood

Fire crews have been called to assist a shepherd whose sheep have become stranded by flood water.

The shepherd dialled 999 after getting into difficulty with his flock near Roy Bridge in the Highlands.

It is understood some of his sheep have already been swept away with fire crews helping him to save the rest of his livestock.

Fire crews were called to assist him at the Cille Choiril graveyard next to the River Spean, around 3.30pm today.

The sheep rescue comes amid heavy rain and widespread flooding in the Highlands.

Forecasters said the wettest conditions were in the west Highlands with rain also forcing up levels draining in and out of Loch Ness.

Properties and roads in the area were at risk of flooding this afternoon, a spokesman for the Met Office said.

He added: “A slow-moving Atlantic front will bring a prolonged spell of wet weather to much of west and northwest Scotland within a very mild, moist southwesterly flow.

“Two-day rainfall totals of 50-100 mm are expected widely, with perhaps 150-200 mm in the wettest spots in the West Highlands.

“As the very mild air is drawn in on the strong southwesterly airstream, snow-melt will add to the flooding risk.”