Scotland Storm Floris Clean-Up Continues After Widespread Disruption

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Recovery efforts are underway across Scotland following Storm Floris, which brought severe weather, power outages, and transport disruption.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) reported that around 50,000 homes lost power as gusts of up to 80mph battered the country on Monday. By late evening, about 9,000 properties had been reconnected, with work ongoing to restore supplies to the remaining 43,500. The storm has been described by SSEN as “the most damaging summer storm in recent memory”.

The Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire were among the worst-affected areas. SSEN has deployed teams and is offering free hot food and drinks at community centres in Dingwall, Huntly, Wick, Lairg, and Kyle of Lochalsh for residents still without electricity.

Transport services were also hit hard. Network Rail Scotland said fallen trees had caused significant disruption across the rail network, including at King’s Park in Glasgow, Cornton near Stirling, and Bishopton near Paisley. While most services resumed on Tuesday, checks were continuing. Two helicopters were being used to support ground inspections.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Storm Floris has caused significant disruption to Scotland’s railway… Our focus now is on inspecting and clearing routes to safely reopen lines.”

Flights and ferry services were cancelled across parts of Scotland, and major road bridges were closed to high-sided vehicles due to the high winds. There were reports of vehicles being overturned in both Glasgow and Skye.

In Edinburgh, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and approximately 110 events at the Fringe Festival were cancelled due to safety concerns. Filming for a major Spider-Man film was also halted in Glasgow city centre.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) announced delays in the delivery of exam results letters to pupils on Scotland’s islands due to the severe weather.

The Met Office’s amber weather warning expired at 23:00 on Monday. However, a yellow warning remained in effect for Orkney and Shetland until 08:00 on Tuesday, with winds expected to reach up to 70mph.

Storm Floris is now moving towards Scandinavia, with calmer conditions forecast for the rest of the week.