Scots evacuated during Storm Dennis as more strong winds forecast in new warning

Residents were evacuated from their homes as more than 30 specialist firefighters were deployed in the Scottish Borders during Storm Dennis.   Strong winds and heavy rain battered large parts of the country on Saturday which caused widespread disruption.   The fire service carried out 15 water rescues in a number of locations across Scotland including Perth, Linlithgow and Newcastleton.   The Scottish Environment Protection Agency's ( SEPA) highest warning level remained in force for Newcastleton and Hawick today after advising some residents to leave their homes.  Assistant Chief Officer Paul Stewart said: "Crews have been working alongside our partners in extremely challenging conditions to ensure the safety of all residents in affected areas.  "We have been able to call upon specialist resources from across the East and West of Scotland, with more than 30 specialist water rescue firefighters mobilised to the area in response to the heightened flood risk.   "As such, we have been working very closely with partners and lead agencies throughout today to provide assistance where required and our resources remain available to protect Scotland’s communities.”  "My thanks must go to our dedicated crews on the ground and our Operations Control staff, who have been working extremely hard across Scotland in response to severe weather related incidents in addition to normal 999 emergencies, as well as our partners and the resilient communities in the area."  Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning for wind has been put in place for Scotland tomorrow morning.  Storm Dennis is predicted to bring gusts of up to 75mph to some parts of the country.  As a result there could be disruption to rail, road, air and ferry services throughout the warning which comes into force at 10am and is expected to last until 11pm.  A Met Office statement read: "Some very strong winds are likely in association with Storm Dennis. Gusts of 50-60 mph are likely quite widely within the warning area for much of the period.  "Gusts of 70 mph are likely at times, more especially across western Scotland on Sunday afternoon and evening, as well as in association with heavy showers elsewhere.  "A separate swathe of 70-75 mph gusts probably crossing the far north of Scotland and Orkney for a time early on Monday."  Rest centres - set up yesterday at Teviotdale Leisure Centre and Newcastleton community centre for affected people - were stood down on Sunday morning, the Scottish Borders Council tweeted.  Sepa flood duty manager Mark McLaughlin said on Saturday: "Severe flood warnings for areas in the Scottish Borders have been issued tonight as we continue to see rivers respond to the impacts of Storm Dennis.  "These warnings mean that extensive flooding is expected to properties and businesses with many roads impassable. Some evacuations have been advised.   "The severe flood warnings have been issued for Teviot and Slitrig at Hawick and Newcastleton. We advise people to stay away fro