Stirling's Storm Eowyn heroes praised as clean-up continues

The clean-up process begins as trees are removed from a garden in Kippen
-Credit:ANNABEL GRIFFIN


The tireless efforts of emergency teams who worked through Storm Eowyn as it battered Stirling – closing 100 roads, wrecking schools and leaving homes powerless – have been hailed by officials as the area recovers from the damage.

Storm Eowyn swept across the country on Friday, hitting the region with winds of up to 100mph, leaving thousands of people without power and closing three schools due to “significant damage” to the roofs.

The region’s politicians and Stirling Council have heaped praised on the workers and council teams who worked through the night and across the following days to restore power, attend to affected homes and clear roads from fallen trees and other dangerous debris.

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Officials say they will continue to keep residents updated as an extensive clean-up continues this week in the wake of the rare red weather warning.

The high winds battered the region and caused major damage throughout
The high winds battered the region and caused major damage throughout -Credit:ANNABEL GRIFFIN

Chris Kane, MP for Stirling and Strathallan, praised their efforts as “remarkable” while MSP Evelyn Tweed picked out the “strength and resilience” of the community during the storm.

Stirling Council said teams worked around the clock tirelessly to maintain services and provide support to the most vulnerable in the community as people were advised to stay home.

Chris Kane MP said: “Many, many thanks to the emergency responders out in the full force of Storm Eowyn, and to everybody involved in the subsequent and ongoing clean up and repair mission.

“Your commitment is remarkable, and we all appreciate everything you have done and continue to do.”

Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed added: “Once again the strength and solidarity displayed by our community during a very challenging time has been inspiring.

The roof at Cowie Medical Centre, Stirling, was blown off by Storm Eowyn
The roof at Cowie Medical Centre, Stirling, was blown off by Storm Eowyn

“I want to thank each and every individual who has contributed to the recovery efforts.

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“From emergency responders to council workers, volunteers and members of the community including local businesses and charities, the collective effort has been extraordinary.

“Emergency workers, Stirling Council teams, and utility providers have been working tirelessly to assess and address the damage throughout the entire weekend since the storm hit.

“Local farmers have been helping to clear dangerous debris from streets, while utility companies have been providing welfare vans and essential assistance to those in need.

Borestone Primary in Stirling suffered some damage to its roof during Storm Eowyn
Borestone Primary in Stirling suffered some damage to its roof during Storm Eowyn

“While significant progress has been made in recovery efforts, I urge residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories. The collective effort of our community is our greatest strength as we rebuild and restore normality across Stirling.”

A council spokesperson added: “The extremely high winds from Storm Eowyn caused widespread impacts across the Stirling Council area, damaging infrastructure and buildings, closing a significant number of roads, as well as resulting in multiple power outages that affected thousands of residents.

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“Staff from services across the council worked tirelessly round the clock in hugely challenging conditions to keep people safe, maintain services for our most vulnerable, support communities to access welfare and other supports, and to keep the public regularly updated.

“Almost 100 roads were closed on Friday, mostly as a result of fallen trees and other dangerous debris, but our roads and land services teams worked tirelessly to clear roads and most had re-opened by Saturday evening.

“We worked alongside local and national resilience partners as part of the emergency response, while staff liaised with the power companies to help residents affected by power cuts to access welfare facilities and support.

READ MORE: Stirling Council announces bin collection schedule shake-up as it aims to save £500,000

READ MORE: Sheep electrocuted after Storm Eowyn brought down powerlines in Dunblane field

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“Care at home house visits were prioritised for the most vulnerable and a normal service was able to resume over the weekend.

“All council buildings, community centres and libraries remained closed at the weekend to enable full safety inspections to be carried out.

“We will continue to keep residents and communities updated as we continue the recovery from this extreme weather event.”

Evidence of destruction can still be seen across Stirling as work is ongoing to assess the extent of the damage.

Borestone, Bridge of Allan and Fintry primary schools sustained roof damage, resulting in all three schools closing on Monday, as well as the nurseries at Borestone and Bridge of Allan.

Fintry Primary School and Bridge of Allan Nursery reopened yesterday Bridge of Allan Primary School and Borestone Primary School and Nursery remained closed due to the extent of repairs needed.

Stirling’s Cowie Medical Centre was badly damaged, with the roof blowing off during the gale-force winds, and the historic Back Walk path remains closed to members of the public after reports of large boulders falling onto Greenwood Avenue below, with specialist engineers set to assess damage this week.

In another incident on a farm near Dunblane, a damaged overhead power cable led to three male sheep being electrocuted in the field.