Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has praised the efforts of workers and all those responding to the emergency conditions caused by Storm Arwen.
Speaking ahead of a ministerial statement secured by the Scottish Conservatives in the Scottish Parliament later today, Mr Halcro Johnston said: “Many parts of my region sustained a severe battering from the storm, with homes and businesses left without power, and roads closed by fallen trees and debris."
“It has taken some time to put things right, and there as still some areas without power, but the efforts of power company workers, our emergency services and others involved has been remarkable. Many have worked through a number of days and nights in very challenging conditions."
“That includes individuals and businesses which have stepped in to help those in their communities, providing food and supplies to make the situation a little more bearable. Sometimes the most simple of things, such as providing hot water for drinks or charging a mobile phone, can make a big difference. We owe them all a deep debt of thanks for their efforts”.
Mr Halcro Johnston also urged those eligible to make sure they are registered for SSEN’s Priority Services Register (PSR) which aims to provide increased support for those who need it most.
He said “However, with some folk cut off for days, and others still waiting to be reconnected, it is important that lessons are learnt from this situation and, where possible, improvements are made to our resilience. Given this is extremely unlikely to be the last challenging weather we experience in the next few months, I would urge folk who are vulnerable - or who know others who are vulnerable - to make sure they are registered on SSEN’s Priority Services Register (PSR)."
“This register should ensure additional help and support is provided to those who need it most during powercuts”.
SSEN’s Priority Services Register (PSR) is free and provides extra help and support for more vulnerable customers during a power cut. To find out more about the PSR, click here or call 0800 294 3259.
