Improvements must be made to the way Scotland deals with flash flooding, according to a Highlands MSP.

John Farquhar Munro said the flooding which caused disruption in Inverness at the weekend has become a common occurrence and he challenged the Scottish Executive to take action.

The bill for flood damage in the Highland city was expected to run into millions of pounds.

A massive flood bill is expected

With the mopping up operation continuing, travellers have been warned that roads and rail services remain affected.

Mr Farquhar Munro, the Liberal Democrat MSP for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, said the executive must prioritise investment for flood protection measures.

He said: "We have to face up to the fact that flash flooding is becoming more frequent.

"The freak weather storms that have wreaked havoc in Inverness this weekend have been experienced in countless other towns and cities the length and breadth of the country in recent years.

"Freak weather conditions are obviously very difficult to predict, but more can be done to help towns and cities across Scotland be better prepared for such events and the after-effects."

'Public concern'

The MSP said the executive, Scottish Water and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) should team up to improve flood defences.

However, an executive spokesman said ministers were already working with Sepa on flood prevention.

He said: "We are aware of public concern and are aware of the effect flash floods can have on a community.

"The executive is doing everything in its power to increase awareness of such problems and looking at ways to assist."

Northern Constabulary said most roads had reopened but there were still problems affecting some routes.

Rail services have been affected

Diversions were put in place when the A82 Inverness to Drumnadrochit road was closed at Abriachan due to a landslide.

The slip road off the main A9 northbound carriageway at Raigmore Interchange was expected to be closed for up to two weeks after a hole in the road caused by flooding.

The B9039 Newton to Ardersier road - the main route to the city's airport - was also closed due to flooding and would remain closed until the water subsided.

Railtrack said the Highland Main Line between Inverness and Aviemore would stay closed for two weeks.

The eastern line to Aberdeen between Inverness and Nairn would also remain closed for up to a week during repairs.

The storms hit 14 separate locations within a two-mile section of track in the Culloden area.