Flooding disaster victims in Kilmarnock have received a Christmas surprise of £1000 each.
Residents from 13 homes were evacuated in July after extreme flash flooding caused water levels to rise alarmingly.
Displaced families have been handed a festive boost from the community who raised cash for them all.
Shortlees Community Association gave the 13 households £1000 each last week with East Ayrshire Council arranging the handover.
Chair David Leggat, who handed over the money, said: “I told them I had good news for them. It was really nice to be able to provide them with £1000 before Christmas. There were tears.”
In response to the emergency, on Sunday, July 28, the association set up a flood recovery group to come to the aid of the impacted families.
Describing some of the big-hearted gestures, David said one man walked into Our Wee Place and donated £1000 to the cause.
David also said pub landlord Jim Cunningham, of the New Murray Bar, raised £4000.
The association made up the rest to bring the grand total to £13,000.
East Ayrshire Council has been carrying out repairs to get the Shortlees properties suitable for habitation again.
After five months of living elsewhere, two families will receive keys to return home before Christmas but they have decided to wait until the new year to make the move.
Other properties will be ready early in the new year.
Kilmarnock South councillor Clare Maitland said: “It is sad that some of the families affected by the summer floods will be having Christmas away from their homes.
“I hope they can still have a great Christmas and are looking forward to when they can return home.”
The SNP politician added: “I’ve been inspired by the community spirit, the help and care shown over the last few months, with individuals and groups working selflessly giving time, fundraising and distributing collections to assist the families affected.
“The council has worked tirelessly and will continue to do so to help all the families get back into their homes as early as possible.”
Flood prevention work is also being rolled out so the area is not hit again with an update to be provided in the new year.
