SSE preparing for storm Barbara

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) have said they have been making preparations for storm Barbara, with a number of extra staff having been made available.

SHEPD’s Orkney manager, Stevie Burns, said that eight extra members of staff have been brought to the county from contractors south and crews will be stationed on Westray and Sanday over the coming days.

Mr Burns added that although as yet the winds have not been quite as bad as expected but have been prolonged.

He said that the lightning seen over the last few days resulted in a number of properties on Stronsay suffering from power cuts. Crews were sent out to Stronsay and all customers had power by 2am this morning.

Anyone suffering a power cut is advised to phone 105 to be put through to their network provider.