A Highlands and Islands MSP is urging local residents to be prepared for extreme weather this festive season- just days after blustery conditions left services in the north at a standstill.
The Scottish Government’s ‘Ready Scotland’ campaign encourages individuals, families, communities and businesses to think about what they can do to prepare for unexpected events over winter.
Highlanders are being encouraged to follow four simple steps – keeping informed, being ready at home, on the road and at work and thinking of others in the community.
The warning from Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch comes just days after ferry services across Orkney and the west coast of Scotland were cancelled due to gale-force winds and heavy rain.
She said: “As somebody who is often on the road, travelling to all corners of the constituency, I know the weather can have a huge impact on people’s lives.
“As we know from last year, bad weather can strike at any time. Already this winter, we’ve seen some communities in Scotland affected by high winds and flooding, which is why we all must be vigilant and well-prepared.
“Small preparations like making sure your phone battery is fully-charged, or packing a few essential items in your car, as trivial as they sound can make an enormous difference.”
Ms Forbes is also urging individuals, communities and business alike from her constituency to lend a helping hand to those who may find it harder to cope in extreme weather conditions.
She added: “I am sure we can all remember times last year alone where small decisions have had a really beneficial impact. There are many people in our communities, particularly older people, who could really do with a helping hand as well.”