A construction worker's digger got trapped in a rising river, the Glasgow Evening Times has reported.

He clung on to the JCB cabin and was rescued after 45 minutes.

Two weeks' worth of rain fell in just a few hours across the West of Scotland, causing flooding and wreaking havoc on roads and in homes.

The worker was trapped by fast-moving water near Bank Street in Kilmarnock.

He was rescued by boat while his colleague, who was on the riverbank, was saved by firefighters using an extension ladder.


A group commander from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue confirmed that both men escaped uninjured.

Owen Hanratty said: "Strathclyde Fire and Rescue received a report that two males had become trapped by water from the river in Bank Street, Kilmarnock.

"The first worker was rescued from the riverbank by fire crews using an extension ladder.

"However, a suitable launch site had to be identified as the second worker required to be rescued by boat. Both workers were assessed by paramedics at the scene, but were found not to have sustained any injuries."

The workers were carrying out an upgrade on the area’s waste water infrastructure, for a Scottish Water contractor.

(NE)