Scotland’s ‘flooding hotspots’ have been named ahead of Storm Éowyn hitting our shores later this week. Strong winds, heavy rain, and snow are expected across Scotland and the UK on Friday and Saturday.

While the country has enjoyed milder and calmer weather recently following the cold spell earlier in January, disruption is once again expected when the latest storm hits.

A new study conducted by MG Timber, Online Marketing Surgery, and Perfect Ponds has ranked the 10 areas of Scotland with the most rainfall last year. According to the experts, the Scotland flood report reveals the places that are “most likely to flood”.

Topping the list at number one as the most likely place in Scotland to flood is Dumfries. The market town and former royal burgh in Dumfries and Galloway saw a total rainfall of 1,404mm last year.

As we previously reported, Dumfries is home to the historic Globe Inn that Robert Burns once frequented. With Burns Night taking place this Saturday, those journeying to the pub will need to keep an eye on the weather.

Meanwhile, the area of Scotland that is the second-most likely to flood according to the Scotland flood report is Dumbarton. The West Dunbartonshire town experienced a total rainfall of 1,328mm in 2024.

The River Nith and old bridge at Dumfries, Scotland.
Dumfries is the place in Scotland most likely to flood according to the experts (Image: Kapook2981 / Getty Images)

Elsewhere, in third place on the Scotland flood report is Clydebank — also situated in West Dunbartonshire. According to the experts, Clydebank saw 1,314mm of rain last year.

Rounding out the top five places in Scotland most likely to flood are Johnstone and Paisley, both in Renfrewshire. The former experienced 1,310mm of rainfall in 2024, while Paisley saw 1,307mm.

On the other hand, the area of Scotland that is the least likely to flood according to the experts is St Andrews. The Fife town saw just 618mm of rainfall last year.

Other destinations in Scotland with low levels of rainfall are Dundee and Peterhead, which experienced 650mm and 663mm last year respectively. Rounding out the top five are Arbroath and Elgin, which according to the Scotland flood report were hit with 685mm and 755mm of rain in 2024.

To put together the Scotland flood report, the experts used data from Visual Crossing. They looked at areas across the country to find their total rainfall in 2024.

Top 10 areas in Scotland with the most rainfall

  1. Dumfries
  2. Dumbarton
  3. Clydebank
  4. Johnstone
  5. Paisley
  6. Renfrew
  7. Greenock
  8. Aberdeen
  9. Bearsden
  10. Barrhead

Top 10 areas in Scotland with the least rainfall

  1. St Andrews
  2. Dundee
  3. Peterhead
  4. Arbroath
  5. Elgin
  6. Glenrothes
  7. Kirkcaldy and Dysart
  8. Edinburgh
  9. Broxburn
  10. Musselburgh

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