Scottish councils have paid more than £2 million in compensation to drivers for vehicle damage caused by potholes over the past five years, according to a BBC investigation and related reporting. The findings cover claims submitted by motorists who allege pothole-related damage to cars and other vehicles. In total, more than 18,600 motorists lodged pothole-related claims across Scotland during the period, with councils making payouts that amount to over £2 million. The reports describe the issue as a recurring cost for local authorities, with claims spanning multiple council areas. While the reports focus on the scale of payments and the number of claimants, they do not provide a breakdown of how much each council paid, which specific routes were most affected, or the average settlement amount per claim. The information is presented as a cumulative record of compensation paid following pothole damage claims, highlighting the financial impact on councils and the level of public reporting on the issue over the five-year timeframe.