15 January 2011 Last updated at 12:32 ET

Heavy rain prompts flood alerts in Scotland

Residents in Dunblane have been erecting floodgates to protect their homes

Flood watches have been issued on rivers across Scotland after rain and melting snow caused waters to swell.

There has been localised flooding around Perth and Stirling as well as in Argyll and Bute and the Highlands.

Severe flood warnings were in place at the River Earn, from Comrie to the Bridge of Earn and at the River Almond, from Almondbank to the River Tay.

Some roads were also closed, including the A85 between Huntingtower and the A9 interchange near Perth.

Drivers were being advised to follow a diversion via the A822.

The A81 between Hammersmith Junction and Callander Main Street has also been shut due to flooding.

Diversions were in place from Callander Main Street on the A84 and onto the A873 towards Thornhill.

According to the Sepa website, 26 flood watches and warnings were in place across the country by Saturday evening.