Thousands still without power after Storm Éowyn
Places for food and warm spaces have been set up for people affected
Last updated 26th Jan 2025
Thousands of people across Scotland are still without power two days after Storm Eowyn brought hurricane force winds to part of the country.
SP Energy Networks Scotland said 191,000 customers were affected by “extensive damage”, with 11,000 still waiting to be reconnected.
The provider has been working in affected areas in the South West and central belt to provide food and warm spaces for people still waiting, including supporting eight food vans to give out warm food and drink.
As of 5pm on Sunday Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said around 4,700 customers were still without power, with around 88,000 now reconnected.
191,000 customers affected
The energy provider said Argyll, Kintyre and island communities have been affected more severely than other parts of Scotland.
Scottish Power said the severity of the storm, combined with ongoing inclement weather, meant it could take "several days" to restore power in some areas.
SP Energy Networks Scotland said they have received nearly two months’ worth of calls over the weekend, with 100 days’ worth of faults being reported to them.
Distribution director Aileen Rourke said engineers were “working through the night” to restore power to those affected.
She added: “Unfortunately, the severity of the storm and damage, combined with the continued poor weather conditions, means in some areas it could take several days to restore power.
Two months worth of calls in two days
"We know it is difficult for customers and are updating them on likely timescales to help them plan for the coming days.
"Hotel accommodation is being provided where possible and food vouchers as well as food trucks in the most badly affected areas.
“We've also worked with local authorities and other partners to arrange warm spaces for people to go to charge phones and get hot food and drinks.
"We've got our full resources working hard across the country to get people back on supply and will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, local authorities and other services to support customers."
"We know it is difficult for customers"
A number of public spaces including parks have also experienced extensive damage.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said the storm caused "severe damage" across its gardens.
In a post on social media it said: "At Edinburgh, 15 trees have been lost - either uprooted or damaged beyond recovery.
"This includes the Garden's tallest tree, the 29-metre Cedrus deodara, planted in 1859."
Work to clear roads and railways is continuing, however people planning to remove fallen trees and branches on their own property are being advised to take care.
Essenjay Tree and Ground Care Services managing director Justin Wilmot said: “I would advise them to know their own abilities, these particular jobs, you know it’s a bit like a lot of industries, people think they can do it themselves, but it takes us 15-20 years to get to this level.
“I would recommend that they seek professional help.”
He added: “It’s been particularly challenging as a result of the trees, there’s numerous different aspects and we’re in huge demand at the moment, so we try our best just to prioritise dangerous trees and making sure vulnerable people have got the services we can offer them.”
Disruption to transport is ongoing, with Network Rail Scotland saying in a statement on social media on Sunday that the storm had done "very significant damage" to the rail network.
The statement read: "Network Rail has reported around 400 individual incidents across the network.
"These include multiple trees on tracks, damaged overhead wires, power supply failures, other objects on the line, and more.
Travel disruption continues
"We have managed to re-open some lines, including between Perth and Inverness, between Inverness and Elgin, between Inverness and Aberdeen, between Dundee and Aberdeen, between Perth and Dundee, between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, between Edinburgh and Dunbar and between Drem and Edinburgh.
"But the vast majority of our routes remain closed while Network Rail continues its inspection and repair work. We hope to be able to operate some more services, but significant disruption continues into today, Sunday 26th January."
Tickets for journeys that were disrupted by the storm can be used up to and including Tuesday January 28, and customers can also apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets.
Transport Scotland has said that local roads may still be flooded or closed and that travellers should check with local authorities for the latest information.
Ferry operators have also announced continuing disruption over the weekend.
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