The water level was rising and a strong, very fast current muscled its way down the Water of Leith in Broughton this lunchtime. Despite alarming appearances, SEPA had issued no flood warnings for Warriston or Bonnington by 3.30pm today.
Driving rain and horizontal hailstones eventually disabled the Spurtle camera and ruined the Spurtle espadrilles, but not before we had heroically captured these shots.
The photo right was taken from the Warriston Road bridge, and shows the contractors' raised access road completely swamped.
Below, looking from the same spot but downstream, the height of the water is more apparent. A tree which grows on the bank beyond the bridge can just be seen, apparently midstream. The Gormley has gone. Spurtle urges caution beside the Powderhall bridge as the slippery bank would be extremely hazardous in the wrong footwear.
Below is the scene from St Mark's Bridge, looking downstream. Again, the water level is noticeably higher than usual.
At the weir below Redbraes, the fallen tree wedged halfway over the brink for months has been swept away.
By the new flood defence wall protecting Bonnyhaugh (below), a sign warns about the danger of deep water. In the background, a huge metal bucket sits semi-submerged. We have no idea where the rest of the digger is.
Finally, where the river bends northwards around Bonnyhaugh, some sense of its gathering power and speed can be gained. We advise you not to wade along here later today in the semi-dark.
