Over 2,500 Homes Still Without Power After Storm Éowyn
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Loading... - Ursula Haas
- 28 Jan 2025
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Thousands of households in Scotland remain without power days after Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc across the region, damaging property and infrastructure. Scottish Power Energy Networks reported that approximately 1,900 customers in central and southern Scotland are still without electricity, while Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is working to restore power to an additional 900 customers affected by the storm.
The storm caused significant disruptions, with Network Rail responding to over 800 incidents across Scotland. Currently, 75% of the rail network is operational, but several ScotRail services continue to be affected, including routes from Paisley to Gourock/Wemyss Bay, Kilwinning to Largs/Ardrossan, and the Hamilton Circle to Ayr/Girvan/Stranraer. ScotRail has implemented rail replacement services on these routes, although passengers should expect longer journey times due to traffic conditions.
High winds, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, prompting teams of engineers to work diligently over the weekend to clear debris and repair the lines. SP Energy reported that power has been restored to more than 99% of customers, but around 1,900 remain waiting for reconnection, primarily in Dumfries and Galloway.
Both energy providers are offering hot food and drinks to customers without power, with details available on their social media platforms. Tragically, the storm claimed the life of a 19-year-old man in East Ayrshire when a tree fell on his car.
The storm also caused significant structural damage, including to the Helensburgh Leisure Centre, which suffered extensive roof damage, and Celtic Park, where damage led to the postponement of a Scottish Premiership match against Dundee. Donibristle Primary School in Dalgety Bay announced it would remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday due to roof damage, with students provided with home learning options.
In Glasgow, a historic 400-year-old tree associated with Mary Queen of Scots was severely damaged, while in Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden lost its tallest tree, planted 166 years ago by Queen Victoria's eldest son, Albert.
Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance addressed the ongoing recovery efforts, noting that over 280,000 homes in Scotland have had their power restored. She acknowledged the scale of the damage and thanked those working tirelessly to restore services. While trunk roads and ferries are largely operational, disruptions on some railway lines are expected to continue into the week. Constance urged passengers to remain patient and check for updates from ScotRail and Network Rail before traveling. A small number of schools will also remain closed, with local authorities communicating with parents and pupils as necessary.
