Nicola Sturgeon will today outline further assistance from the Scottish Government for flood-hit communities during a visit to the north-east.
News of the trip emerged as she faced calls to “get on with it” amid criticism for not passing on £5million of extra UK Government funding to families and businesses.
Yesterday, the first minister chaired a meeting of her government’s resilience committee to hear how north-east communities are being supported.
Afterwards she highlighted the efforts of emergency responders and transport agencies to protect people and get the area moving again.
As the SNP leader prepared to journey north, the Scottish Conservatives called for an emergency parliamentary statement from cabinet secretary Richard Lochhead.
Earlier in the week, Ruth Davidson accused Ms Sturgeon of dragging her feet, pointing out the UK Government’s announcement last month that £50million would be made “immediately” available for local authorities in the north of England.
She said that meant an additional £5million for Scotland under the Barnett formula.
But last night the SNP said the UK Treasury had not yet confirmed how much consequential funding will be allocated.
Labour north-east MSP Lewis Macdonald said: “Our view is they need to get on with it. There is no excuse.
“It is bizarre to say because we don’t know the full extent of the problem we are not going to make the commitments now.”
He also said the extent of the Scottish Government’s commitment should not depend on the Tory Government’s decisions at Westminster.
Alison Evison, Aberdeenshire Council’s Labour group leader, called for a review to ensure the resilience of flood protection infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Gordon MP Alex Salmond reportedly cancelled his appearance on Any Questions to travel back to Aberdeenshire.