Barra and Vatersay in Western Isles face week without Co-op food deliveries amid Storm Jocelyn

Two islands in the Western Isles have gone nearly a full week without any food deliveries as Scotland continues to be battered by strong winds and heavy rain.

Barra and Vatersay have not been given fresh food supplies since Wednesday last week.

Pictures posted by Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil showed the main supermarket in Barra with empty shelves as ferries failed to make their way from the mainland to the island.

Western Isles Emergency Planning group, this morning, ahead of Storm Jocelyn had as it's main item, the food situation on Barra's main shop the Coop . Went to see ..pretty empty.. pic.twitter.com/q0bxbDsjKp
— Angus B MacNeil MP🇺🇦 (@AngusMacNeilSNP) January 23, 2024

Scotland has been hit with successive amber and yellow weather warnings for snow, ice, rain and wind since more than a week ago.

Storm Jocelyn is set to bring a fresh Met Office amber alert to the Western Isles – as well as parts of the north and north east of the country – from 6pm on Tuesday until 8am on Wednesday.

The entire country will fall under a yellow warning for wind.

A spokesperson for Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar said: “With ongoing ferry disruption, the Comhairle is working closely with CalMac, the Co-op and local representatives to establish the best route to have supplies delivered as soon as possible.

“Any vulnerable families/individuals struggling with the current lack of food supplies or any other issues associated with this incident can get in touch with the Comhairle using the contact details provided below.

“Please note that all calls will be treated with confidentiality.”

Those in need can contact 07866915478.

Scotland

Storm Jocelyn brings travel disruption as more wind and rain expected

It is the second time in three nights that rail services have been stopped due to extreme weather conditions.

A spokesperson for Co-op said: “Co-op is committed to serving and supporting its Island communities and prioritises supplies due to their unique locations.

“We are, however, at the mercy of the weather and, ferry crossings being changed or cancelled.

“Our teams work around the clock and are doing everything possible to plan and reschedule deliveries for when it is safe for the ferries to sail and we are also in close contact with local agencies focussed on island resilience during the extreme weather.”