Highland Council teams chip in to tree and storm-blown debris clearance from roads across Ross-shire and beyond amid concerns weakened branches could pose threat to motorists and pedestrians
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HIGHLAND Council road teams are working with multi-agency partners to clear trees blown over by two ferocious weekend storms.
And they are warning private landowners of their responsibilities in areas where fallen trees could impact the public road network.
Highland Council said this morning it is assisting in the response to Storm Malik and Storm Corrie to clear "numerous" fallen trees and debris affecting local roads.
PICTURES: Ross-shire reeling from impact of weekend storms
Picture to share from your area/ Please email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
The public are urged to take extra care when travelling today and over the next few days due to many routes being affected by debris from the high winds.
The local authority said its emergency out of hours response was extremely busy and reminded the public of the phone numbers at www.highland.gov.uk/contactus and other emergency information and advice at the ready for winter page www.highland.gov.uk/readyforwinter.
"The council is particularly concerned where weakened or damaged branches could subsequently fall on vehicles or pedestrians." - Colin Howell
Highland Council says it is encouraging landowners to urgently check trees and vegetation near to public roads which may have been damaged and causing a danger or obstruction.
Colin Howell, Highland Council’s head of roads and infrastructure said: “Damaged trees and vegetation can cause potential hazards to road users by obstructing the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. The council is particularly concerned where weakened or damaged branches could subsequently fall on vehicles or pedestrians.”
Under Section 91 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 the council may serve notice on landowners requiring them to take action to remove hazardous or obstructive vegetation. In extreme cases, where there is an imminent danger to the public the council will take action and landowners will be liable for the cost.
If you are affected by falling trees, communities can get advice and guidance on this matter by calling the council’s service centre on 01349 886601.
With overnight drops in temperature, winter gritting also continues today. Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at https://www.highland.gov.uk/gritting
Road condition reports for Monday, January 31:
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh:
The ward got hit with severe northerly gales throughout the night and morning. Call outs all night with trees across the roads in Strathpeffer, Muir of Ord, Gruidie power station, Stromeferry, Achnashellach, Aultbea, Loch Maree side, Gairloch, Glen Torridon, Kishorn, Braeintra, Strathconnon, Gruinard and the A890 various locations. All cleared from road last night and some site being revisited this morning to tidy up in the daylight.
Ross and Cromarty East:
Marginal road temperatures with a covering of snow on higher roads. All primary and secondary network being treated. Windblown trees and debris affecting most roads across the area.
Caithness:
Wintry showers this morning, some high routes a dusting snow on them, snow showers continuing for most of the morning period, all routes being treated. No storm issues reported.
Sutherland:
All routes treated according to policy. Sleety showers and a covering of snow on high ground. Patrols responded to deal with fallen trees after last night’s high winds at the Shore Road to Embo from the A9 Mound junction, and two trees down and the Rogart side roads had one down all been dealt with now. All routes are open.
Lochaber:
Damp roads with temperatures higher than forecast. All routes treated. 5am report of A861 had a fallen tree which closed the road briefly. All roads clear. No other issues reported.
Badenoch and Strathspey:
Negative temperatures with snow and sleet showers throughout the area. Area was hit with high winds overnight and a number or trees came down. B9152 still closed and will be for most of the day. No other known overnight issues.
Nairn:
Negative temperatures throughout the area with snow showers this morning. Nairn area was hit with high winds last night and a number of trees came down on various routes. No other known.
Skye and Raasay:
A stormy night across Skye and Raasay. Only current road closure involves a fallen tree closing the the coastal Oscaig to Broachel A-class road. Mechanical road sweeping required this morning for Somerled Square Portree Hotel / Police Station / Bus lanes. No strong wind issues this morning. Some minus road temperatures recorded overnight. Some sleet issues affecting the A863 between Dunvegan and Struan. Road treatments ongoing given oscillating / marginal road surface temperatures.
Inverness:
Wet roads this morning with road surface temperatures hovering around and below zero, some light snow on higher ground. Covering priority routes according to policy. Several squads out working on windblown trees throughout the network.
For information on UK Met Office warnings and advice visit www.metoffice.gov.uk
School closures
As at noon, the following schools and nurseries were closed, affecting some 1378 pupils.
Avoch Primary: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Avoch Primary Nursery: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Ben Wyvis Primary Nursery: Closed (damage to school building)
Daviot Primary: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Ferintosh Primary: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Kingussie High School: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Kinlochleven High School: Partially closed - open to S4-S6 (COVID-19 related)
Munlochy Primary: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Newmore Primary: Closed (COVID-19 related)
Strathconon Primary: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Tarradale Primary: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Tarradale Primary Nursery: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Tore Primary: Closed (no water/heating/power)
Daily information on school closures is provided at www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures
This page is updated from 7am every day and cleared by 6pm each evening.
Get alerts of closures on Highland Council’s Twitter and Facebook. Or phone 0800 564 2272 to get the latest pre-recorded message from head teachers regarding their school. Have the school's PIN ready when you call.
