Recovery fund opened after floods
Heavy rain caused severe flooding in many parts
A £500,000 disaster recovery fund has been opened to help businesses in the wake of the floods which struck parts of Scotland.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has 6,000 members in its North East Scotland division.
The FSB said members in affected towns - such as Elgin, Aboyne, Oldmeldrum, Carnoustie and Pitlochry - would be able to apply.
The interest-free loans of up to £5,000 are aimed at keeping businesses going.
It is to help cover costs such as the repair of their premises.
'Reassure members'
Andy Willox, the FSB's South Aberdeenshire branch chairman and FSB Scottish policy convener, said: "The last 18 months have been difficult for FSB members up and down the country.
"However, unpredictable weather conditions should never be the end, or damage the prospects, of otherwise successful FSB members that are so important to the communities they serve.
"We are also asking other institutions which have a bearing on local small firms' cash-flow - such as banks and local authorities - to reassure our members that they will be as understanding and flexible as possible."
The heavy rain which caused the floods struck on Sunday.
