Storm Eowyn clean-up operation ongoing three days after country hit with 100mph gusts

The multi-agency recovery operation following Storm Eowyn is still ongoing three days after hurricane-force winds hit Scotland.

The Scottish Government confirmed that 5,900 homes are still without power following Friday’s red weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office. However, those affected should be reconnected by Tuesday at the latest.

As of 5pm on Monday SSEN had restored power to more than 90,000 homes.

Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance said: “Three days after the worst of Storm Eowyn, we can see how the sheer scale of the damage continues to impact Scotland’s return to normal. I want to thank everyone who is playing their part, day and night, to get services back up and running.

Thousands of homes lost power on Friday after Storm Eowyn brought winds of up to 100mph and a rare red weather warning from the Met Office. X/Network Rail

“Utilities companies are working as fast as possible, in often challenging in weather conditions, and have reconnected over 280,000 properties. Around 5,900 properties are still without power and companies are in touch with those households to estimate restoration times and offer welfare or other support.”

A number of South East Scotland’s roads were impacted by trees falling over on the road and incidents of overturned lorries on the M8, A1 and A68.

The Forth Road Bridge, Clackmannanshire Bridge and A1 Tyne Bridge were closed to all traffic, however, the Queensferry Crossing remained open to cars thanks to its wind shielding.

BEAR Scotland’s clean-up operation is still underway with debris removal, inspections and repairs ongoing.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland operating company representative for the South East said: “My thanks go to our teams out on the network and in the control room on Friday and through the weekend.

“Their response was first class as always, helping us overcome any challenges along the way in what were extremely challenging conditions.

“There is quite a lot of clear up required, and this is the focus of much of our efforts this week as we deal with the residual impacts of the storm.”

Around 75% of Network Rail’s services have resumed as debris was removed from the tracks and damaged overhead powerlines have been fixed.