Buchan homes left powerless after lightning strike

Engineers were battling to restore electricity to parts of rural Buchan last night after a lightning strike knocked out power to dozens of homes.

A fire crew from Peterhead was called to reports of an electricity pole fire on the edge of Maud, just before 4pm.

The blaze was out by the time the team arrived, although locals said at the height of the fire 2ft high flames were coming from the junction box.

Power was restored to most properties in and around the village within an hour of the incident.

Scottish and Southern Energy said engineers were sent out to assess the damage and carry out repairs.