400K HOMES FACE MAJOR FLOOD RISK

Environment experts predict rise could happen within five decades

- DAN VEVERS

AROUND 400,000 Scottish homes will be at major risk of flooding within 50 years thanks to climate change, an eco watchdog has warned.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the number of properties under threat of floods is projected to surge by 40 per cent from current levels of around 284,000.

It comes after a record number of flood alerts and flood warnings were issued to Scots this winter, with 720 notifications between September and February.

Climate change is making downpours more frequent and extreme while rising seas threaten coastal areas.

With greenhouse gases heating the atmosphere, clouds are absorbing more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall.