Storm Éowyn: Disruption set to continue into weekend following day of drama

It could be several days before the full extent of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn is known.

Most of the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland remains in lockdown this evening (Friday) after gusts of wind, measuring up to 91mph, swept through the region.

Trees and power lines were brought down, lorries overturned, roads blocked and trampolines - even a Portaloo - sent flying.

A Red weather warning is no longer in force. But most shops and businesses remain closed, and roads remain covered in debris.

Emergency services are also still responding to a number of incidents.

Many residents have been left without electricity overnight - with 99 outages across Lothian and Borders. Scottish Power Energy Networks has deployed a food truck to the Public Hall in Lauder.

And the disruption is set to continue on Saturday, with a fresh weather warning for snow and ice being issued north of the border.

ScotRail has confirmed no trains will run on the Borders Railway before midday, to allow safety teams time to inspect the line.

And Borders Buses is cancelling dozens of early morning services to allow an assessment of the region's roads in daylight.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Storm Éowyn is an exceptional weather event and is causing significant impacts across Scotland, with multiple reports of fallen trees and blown over vehicles.

“I want to thank members of the public for largely following Police Scotland’s advice not to travel.

"However, this storm is not over yet. Even once the red weather warning expires, severe weather warnings for wind, snow and ice remain in place across much of the country tonight and into tomorrow morning. A high level of vigilance is still required."

Scottish Borders Council revealed it has responded to around 180 incidents during a day of drama.

The owners of a home in Galashiels had a lucky escape after a tree came down inches from their front door - partially blocking the A7; while, in Berwick, part of the town centre was sealed off, and shopkeepers sent home, after a section of roof crashed down onto the street below.

Haven Holiday Park at Berwick also had to be evacuated due to the extreme weather, while other attractions, including Floors Castle in Kelso, also had to shut up shop amid concerns over safety.

Firefighters were also called out to Stow late this afternoon, amid concerns over a tree next to a house at the side of the main road.

Mr Swinney said: “It will take time to recover power and transport services across the country, as conditions still remain too dangerous for recovery teams to operate."

But he added: “Utilities companies are focused on supporting their most vulnerable customers and I’d encourage everyone to please look out for each other and take extra care during this time.”

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