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John Swinney has said he recognises the “deeply distressing” situation faced by residents in a village which has been partially evacuated due to fears over ground movements.

The First Minister visited Coalsnaughton in Clackmannanshire on Friday, walking along the roads which have been closed off amid concerns about unsafe structures.

Around 100 households have been affected, with residents of the former mining village facing another eight weeks before they can return home.

The evacuation began on May 18 and the Mining Remediation Authority has been carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the ground movement.

Cracks are visible in some of the buildings the First Minister viewed, while paving stones on patios appear to have moved.

Utilities such as gas mains have been removed from the affected area.

The First Minister spoke to some of those who live in Coalsnaughton and took part in a meeting of the organisations dealing with the incident.

Speaking to the Press Association after his visit, Mr Swinney said a “very significant amount of exploratory work” is still needed to understand the incident.

He said: “It is important that public safety is prioritised and I’ve been assured that urgent work is under way to establish the causes of this incident.”

He said the Government is supporting Clackmannanshire Council to assist the affected residents.

Mr Swinney continued: “To be asked to leave your house at very short notice, completely and utterly turning your life on its head I’ve heard that from local residents today.

“It’s a deeply distressing situation. So it’s important in all of those cases that individuals are well supported.”