HUNDREDS of sandbags have been used to shore up swollen riverbanks after East Lothian saw up to 90mm of rain fall over 24 hours.

Flooding at The Biel, at West Barns, and the River Tyne, in Haddington, sparked concerns for local businesses as they both breached their banks in places.

East Lothian Council said 150 sandbags were delivered to sites near The Biel with the aim to divert floodwater onto the roadways.

Road services were monitoring the ongoing floods in case the roads need to be closed.

In Haddington up to 300 sandbags were used to shore up the River Tyne, which has a number of restaurants and businesses nearby.

At the Poldrate Mill, which has experienced flooding in the past, the bags were already in place.

Across the water at the Waterside Bistro, the wall between it and the rising water was also given sandbag support.

SEPA said its centre at Gifford recorded rainfall of 90.2mm – more than half the national average for the month of June, in the last 36 hours. At Nunraw Abbey 91.8mm was recorded.

The only SEPA site to have higher rainfall was in Abbey St Bathans, Scottish Borders, where 109.4mm was recorded.

SEPA issued a flood alert for the whole of the Edinburgh and Lothians area and a more serious flood warning for Haddington specifically - though the warning is now no longer in force.

Areas identified as at risk included: St Martin's Gate; St Martin's Close; St Martin's Court; Dunollie Gardens; Tyne Court; The Sands; Church Street; Poldrate; Bridge Street; Goodalls Place; Gowl Close; Ford Road; Giffordgate; and Waterside.

Water was likely to back up in small drains and cause localised flooding behind the wall in the Nungate Bridge area of Haddington, SEPA added.

The Met Office also issued a weather warning, initially a more serious amber 'be prepared' warning before it was downgraded to a yellow 'be aware' warning. That warning is also no longer in force.

Not everyone minded the heavy rain, however, with these ducklings having fun as large puddles formed in the centre of Haddington (see video below).

East Lothian Council said while the flooding remained a concern as water from the hills continued to run into the rivers, it was expected to peak between 12.30pm and 1pm.

A spokesperson said: “Water levels are expected to peak at lunchtime today and we continue to monitor the situation.”

The main risk of flooding is related to the Biel Water in West Barns and the River Tyne in Haddington, with the risk to River Esk in Musselburgh rated as “low to medium only”.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: “East Lothian Council staff have been working closely with representatives from the Met Office, SEPA, Police Scotland, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to put arrangements in place to prepare for possible flooding problems.

“If you do experience any flood-related problems, please phone the council’s Contact Centre 01875 612818.”

Drivers are also advised to be aware of possible surface water on the county’s roads.

Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188.

Haddington and Lammermuir ward councillor Craig Hoy visited local businesses on flood alert and said: “Staff and owners of businesses along the Tyne have praised the council, which has kept them informed and prepared the necessary flood defences.

"The local community has also engaged and it has been great to see a concerted response to the flood warning across Haddington and the Lammermuirs. Hopefully the period of risk will pass soon.”