THE River Esk was kept under careful watch after a footpath was flooded in Musselburgh due to a high tide last Wednesday.

The scene was captured on camera by Stu Gibb at about 3.20pm, showing the path which runs down the side of the Esk beside Loretto School sports ground from New Street heading towards the Firth of Forth.

An East Lothian Council spokesman said that the riverside towards the mouth of the Esk was affected at high tide but the water receded.

He said: “East Lothian Council staff were in regular contact with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and interested partners [last] Tuesday and Wednesday about the effects of Storm Eleanor accompanied by a high tide on the River Esk.

“As per current processes, East Lothian Council remained in a state of readiness and a careful watch was maintained. Our processes refer to the proactive partnership working carried out by the council, for example with response agencies and community councils, when there is a possibility of flooding.”

A spokesperson for SEPA said: “While the River Esk at Musselburgh was high over Wednesday, January 3, levels were within the normal range we would expect to see.

“The riverside path which was flooded can be covered during a high tide such as this one, but no properties were at risk of flooding.

“There was no SEPA flood alert or any flood warnings out for the area.

“If anyone is concerned about the risk of flooding in their area we would encourage them to sign up to Floodline to register to receive free flood messages direct to their phone. People can either telephone on 0345 988 1188 or sign up online via sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup “Even if you are not registered you can always check the current situation with any alerts and warnings either via the phone line or online at floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates”

Irene Tait, chairwoman of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, was informed of the situation and subsequently visited the area.

She later said that the community council was ready to assist East Lothian Council if required.