Storm Boelo swept across Ayrshire over the past week, bringing high winds and heavy rainfall that proved to be destructive for towns, businesses and homes in the region.
The worst of the adverse weather, which began with an amber warning on Saturday 24 October, hit coastal areas such as Prestwick, Saltcoats and Largs, with footage showing the devastating impact of the wild conditions.
Largs and Saltcoats in particular drew wider media attention with the “significant” impact of high tides and heavy rainfall flooding their town centres.
Local businesses in the towns took a hit from the subsequent floods from Saturday night’s events.
Popular Largs Main Street tourist and artisan ice cream shop Geraldos was one of the sites badly affected.
A social media post from the Largs business showed their gratitude for the kind words through an “exhausting and very overwhelming” period.
They said: “Seeing the devastation caused to a business I’ve poured so much love, hard work and dedication into for 26 years has been incredibly difficult. Despite this, the kindness and generosity of people have been incredible.
“To everyone who has called, messaged, offered assistance, brought flowers or dropped by to give words of encouragement and heartfelt hugs, thank you.
“I have been genuinely overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and support from our wonderful customers and suppliers across the UK and beyond, friends and the wider community.”
Geraldos notified its customers of its in-store and online closure following the events, and confirmed it is unlikely to return to full operation before the start of 2027 as of 28 October.
DEVASTATION: Largs Main Street was subject flooding caused by Storm Boelo (Image: Geraldos, Largs)
More concerns followed in the North Ayrshire town as searches for a missing person believed to be “swept out to sea”, after midnight on Tuesday near Burnlea Road began.
The search for the individual was suspended by Police Scotland, in attendance with the HM Coastguard and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, at 9 am on the day.
Despite the difficulties faced in the region, Councillor Tony Gurney praised staff and community efforts that have helped move affairs “firmly” into the recovery phase.
Cllr Gurney said: “Our staff worked incredibly hard throughout the weekend and into this week, often in difficult conditions, to support communities, reduce disruption and protect infrastructure and help those affected by flooding and disruption. Their professionalism, commitment and resilience have been exceptional.
“I would also like to thank residents, businesses, community groups and our partner agencies for their patience, cooperation and support. The way communities came together to help one another during the storm was greatly appreciated.”
SEARCH: Emergency services respond to a missing person call in Largs on Tuesday (Image: Cheryl Visual Art Bimendi)
Further measures put in place during and after the weekend’s storm included Prestwick promenade being sealed off to walkers due to flying debris and the A78 at Skelmorlie being closed as repairs on carriageway damages were carried out.
The coastal road has now moved to a limited reopening for residents and carers in the Skelmorlie area, with larger vehicles being advised to take a de-tour through Port Glasgow, Kilmalcolm, and Johnstone before re-joining the A78 for Largs.
In East Ayrshire, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, Green Communities and contractors came together to support rural communities by restoring power to homes, opening town halls for residents for food and drink and clearing fallen trees from main routes.
Local attractions such as Dumfries House near Cumnock was forced to close due to storm damage, but quickly reopened to the public earlier this week.
Anyone with information to assist in the ongoing searches in Largs is being urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0026 on Tuesday 27 October.
SEALED OFF: Measures were put in place as a result of flying debris on the Ayrshire coastline (Image: Evan Warrander)
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