Praise for hydro engineers

Hydro engineers who have restored power to thousands of properties following the weekend’s atrocious conditions have been praised.

Isles MSP Tavish Scott says workers who have helped keep get the power back on deserve recognition for working “tirelessly round the clock” to reconnect supplies.

More than 2,500 homes were left without power over the weekend as hurricane force winds caused.

Efforts to repair the electricity network were also hampered by difficult conditions which saw hurricane winds causing gusts of up to 100mph.

Mr Scott said: “[Scottish Hydro Electric] have worked tirelessly around the clock to reconnect electricity supplies to many homes in Shetland and have done so despite the severely adverse and potentially dangerous weather conditions which we have all witnessed over the past few days and again today.

“I know that there has been a great sense of appreciation from many families and communities across Shetland, and I believe that the local staff deserve a great deal of credit for their efforts.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) has thanked customers for their patience during the wintry spell.

The company says it is now operating as normal after four severe weather events hit northern and western Scotland on four consecutive days.

Alan Broadbent, Director of Engineering, said: “Our customers have been tremendous. They had to endure appalling disruption to their electricity supply. I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding, and again apologise to them. I am also immensely proud of our engineers. They live and work in the communities they serve, so it was a matter of personal pride and satisfaction for them to bring power back on as soon as possible.

“They did this by battling some of the worst weather conditions I have ever known.”