Angus communities recovering from Storm Arwen havoc

Schools remained closed today (Monday) due to widespread power failure with Airlie, Auchterhouse, Colliston, Cortachy, Isla, Monikie, Murroes, Newbigging, Newtyle and Tannadice all affected. Maisondieu Primary in Brechin remains closed due to damage to the building.

There was also some disruption to school transport services to Webster’s High School in Kirriemuir and Carmyllie Primary School. Public transport routes were operating as normal.

Emergency support is being provided at locations across the county from today, including local churches and sports centres

A council spokesperson said: “We would encourage communities to look out for those who you believe may require additional support. If you are concerned about neighbours or family, please contact our dedicated Storm Arwen ACCESSline on 01307 494783.

“We are working with partners – AHSCP, VAA, British Red Cross - to arrange checks on houses we know will still be without power.

Support available from Monday (November 29): SSEN Welfare Support at:

• Kirriemuir, near Bon Scott Statue, Free hot drinks and hot food. Open 7am to 10pm;
• Monifieth Parish Church, 41 High Street, Monifieth DD5 4AA. Warm space, tea/coffee, electricity to charge devices;
• Eassie and Nevay Hall. Hot food and drink and mobile phone charging. Showers. Contact ACCESSline 03452 777 778 for opening times;
• Voluntary Action Angus, 5-7 The Cross, Forfar. Free hot drinks, food and electricity. Open from 9am to 5pm (may be extended).

ANGUSalive – Showers and facilities to charge mobile phones available at:

• Arbroath Sports Centre, Keptie Road, Arbroath, DD11 3EW 01242 465400, Monday - Friday 09:00 - 21:00;
• Brechin Community Campus, Duke Street, Brechin, DD9 6LB 01356 237200, Monday - Friday 09:00 - 21:00;
• Carnoustie Sports Centre, Links Parade, Carnoustie, DD7 7JB 01241 465600, Monday - Friday 09:00 - 21:00;
• Forfar Community Campus, Kirriemuir Road, Forfar, DD8 3TG 01307 492300, Monday - Friday 09:00 - 21:00,
• Montrose Sports Centre, Marine Avenue, Montrose, DD10 8TR 01674 907600, Monday - Friday 07:30 - 21:00;
• Saltire Sports Centre, 58 Montrose Road, Arbroath, DD11 5JN 01241 465500, Monday - Friday 09:00 - 21:00;
• Webster’s Sports Centre, Prosen Road, Kirriemuir, DD8 5AT 01575 526100, Monday - Friday 09:00 - 21:00 Saturday.

Libraries - PC and Wi-Fi access available and study spaces may be available - please call to confirm before attending: Arbroath Library, Hill Terrace, Arbroath, DD11 1AH 01241 464545, Monday 11:00 - 16:30.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said the storm damage, particularly in Aberdeenshire, had been “catstrophic”, with efforts continuing overnight from Sunday into Monday to restore power in Monikie and Edzell.

Police Scotland also continued to work with partners over the weekend in response to the storm, responding to issues across the road network, and within communities, affected by the adverse weather. Some rural routes were blocked due to fallen trees and debris on road, and conditions for motorists were hazardous, with a yellow warning for ice being applied into Sunday evening.

Emergency calls to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) almost tripled.

Over the 24 hours from 7am on Friday, SFRS received more than 900 emergency calls – almost three times the normal number - with more than 500 due to the impact of the severe weather affecting many areas of the country.