Statement from NHS Western Isles, Police Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar:

The last week has presented very challenging circumstances for the population of the Western Isles in terms of power outages and adverse weather, with the consequential impact on heat, light, food, travel and communication.

The Western Isles Emergency Planning Coordinating Group (WIEPCG) has been active and responding throughout to keep our communities supported, while Scottish Southern & Energy engineers worked tirelessly to carry out repairs and restore power.

The local community response has been remarkable and we would like to pay tribute and thanks to all who have made individual and collective efforts, in particular:

• Local community groups;
• HM Coastguard;
• HebSAR (Hebrides Search and Rescue);
• Red Cross;
• Salvation Army;
• Scottish Fire & Rescue.

We are grateful to our own staff: council, health and police, for their ongoing support and commitment to helping our community.

Many local contractors and businesses also worked alongside the Public Sector Agencies to respond to the challenging demands, and these are all to be commended.

Sincere thanks to one and all for your efforts.

 

Gordon Jamieson              Gordon MacLeod            Malcolm Burr

NHS Western Isles            Police Scotland                Comhairle nan Eilean Siar