Sepa is to launch a national flood awareness campaign

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued the warning two days before the launch of a national flood awareness campaign.

It estimates that more than 171,000 properties in Scotland are at risk of river or coastal flooding, with many more in danger from flash flooding.

The agency said it had commissioned research which suggested that only 15% of people who were aware of local flood risks had made adequate preparations.

The MORI Scotland poll, which questioned 507 people, found that 71% of those who had been flooded before had not taken any action.

Sepa's national flood warning development team manager David Faichney said the situation is worrying.

"As we've seen, the effects of flooding can be devastating," he said.

Awareness campaign

"Summer floods only a few months ago in the Selkirk area left 20 families homeless.

"Last autumn events saw the biggest recorded floods on the River Dee and the South Esk in Angus, and damage to Elgin business and residential properties was estimated at millions of pounds when the River Lossie burst its banks."

Flash floods are becoming more common

There have been 20 serious flooding incidents in Scotland over the last three years.

Sepa advised people living in "at risk areas" to take out adequate insurance, make a "family flood plan", keep a list of emergency numbers and purchase products that could minimise damage.

The agency will launch its annual two-week flood awareness campaign on Saturday.

National television and radio advertising will urge those who live, work or travel in flood risk areas to use the floodline.