Tag: Winter

‘Plan ahead and look out for each other’: Swinney plea as winter bites

Resilience room updated on impacts of snowfall

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) convened yesterday to discuss ongoing efforts to recover from the recent heavy snow in northern Scotland and preparations for further snow and ice warnings.

The meeting was chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and attended by First Minister John Swinney, Cabinet Secretaries, the Met Office, transport operators, Police Scotland, local authorities, resilience partnerships and utilities companies.

First Minister John Swinney has asked people to continue to follow advice on staying safe in winter and thanked those involved in supporting others.

Mr Swinney said yesterday: “The cumulative impact of the heavy snowfall across northern Scotland has been significant and there has been a huge effort to keep transport moving and public services open.

“At present, there is still some travel disruption but trunk roads are open and rail, ferry and air services are working to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Likewise many schools are closed today but remote learning is in place for young people, while contingency plans are in place for affected health and social care services.

“There will be further snow and ice, with yellow warnings in large parts of Scotland and temperatures set to remain cold, so impacts will continue to be felt in the coming days which could include transport problems and I would encourage everyone to plan ahead, look out for each other and pay close attention to  the range of weather and travel advice available.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard, day and night, to keep Scotland open and moving. Public services have been collaborating well in sharing information and vehicles, while I have heard of truly exceptional efforts by farmers, volunteers and members of the public offering to clear local roads, dig out cars and keep people safe. That community spirit is truly heartening to hear.

“Ministers will continue to keep the situation under review.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.

“We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible.

“Some services may be impacted by adverse weather, and I would encourage the public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.

“Heavy snow and ice means driving conditions are likely to continue to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.

“If you need to travel, please fully clear your vehicle windows of snow and ice before you drive, drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey.”

Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.

Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website. 

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Letter: Cats Protection urges action as cold snap bites

Dear Editor 

As temperatures plummet, we urge people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real.  

In the past 12 months, Cats Protection has taken in more than 26,000 cats left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters.  

Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re here for them until the tough times pass. 

Our winter fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) aims to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats.  

We have some simple tips to help all cats stay safe and warm this winter:  

  • Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats. 
  • Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
  • Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped inside. 
  • Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked. 
  • Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out. 
  • Keep your cat in at night – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out in the cold. 

Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, we have tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter. 

Yours faithfully  

Daniel Warren-Cummings 

Central Behaviour Officer, Cats Protection 

Children First urges families worried about bills in Edinburgh to call support line during cold snap

As Scotland faces a sharp drop in temperatures, national children’s charity, Children First, is encouraging families in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living and keeping warm this winter to reach out for help.

The charity warns that they are hearing every day from parents and carers that are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic essentials for their children.

Children First’s support line offers practical, emotional and financial help to families across Scotland 365 days a year.

The team has seen the number of callers rise by close to 50 percent so far this year. They can help with benefit checks, budgeting advice, and accessing emergency support to ensure families stay warm and well this winter.

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We want every parent and carer in Scotland to know they are not alone if they are worried about paying bills or keeping their children warm.

“Our friendly support line team is here to listen and provide expert advice to ensure families get the support they need. We understand how hard it can be trying to make ends meet and the pressure families are under.”

In 2024, Children First’s support line helped families secure close to £2.5 million in financial gains and deal with half a million pounds in debts to make them more manageable.

Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, got help with his finances from Children First’s support line.

He said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”

Parents and carers can contact the support line via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline or call free on 08000 28 22 33.

The service is available seven days a week:

Monday to Friday: 9am–9pm
Weekends: 9am–12 noon.

For more information, visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk.

*Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.

Aldi encourages Edinburgh shoppers to support local foodbanks ahead of colder months

As the colder months approach, Aldi is reminding shoppers in Edinburgh of the most essential items to donate to foodbanks via its in-store donation points.

A list of priority items has been created based on the demands of foodbanks, charities and community groups across the UK and includes everything from tinned food to cereals and cleaning products.

According to community giving platform Neighbourly, who works with Aldi stores to redistribute customer food donations to good causes, the demand for foodbanks can increase by nearly 30%  over the colder months.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We know autumn and winter are busy periods for foodbanks and organisations like Neighbourly who support those in need across the UK.  

“We’re so grateful to all customers that have used our in-store donation points so far this year, and we hope this list of items will make it easy for shoppers to pick those that are most needed over the colder months.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “With many foodbanks and local charities facing increased demand in the months ahead, any extra support we can get will be vital.

“By highlighting the most needed items, we hope to make it easier for Aldi shoppers to support their local communities.”

The most in-demand items are:

  • Tinned food
  • Toiletries
  • Tea / coffee
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Juices and soft drinks
  • UHT milk
  • Laundry and cleaning products
  • Rice and pasta
  • Cooking sauces / oils / condiments
  • Pet food

Beware of leaks as temperatures rise

As temperatures in Scotland are set to rise after yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are lifted, homeowners should be vigilant for water leaks.

The shift from freezing to warmer weather can cause the underground water pipes which transport water from the water company supply network to customers’ homes to move and crack.

A survey by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, revealed that 31 percent of respondents were unaware of their responsibility for the water supply pipe running into their homes.

Additionally, 47 per cent wouldn’t know who to contact if they discovered a leak.

Signs of a leaking water supply pipe include:

  • Reduced water pressure at the kitchen tap
  • A waterlogged front garden
  • Noisy pipes
  • An unusually high water bill.

For properties with a water meter, hidden leaks can be detected by taking meter readings one hour apart, while the property’s water supply is switched off using the internal stop tap. 

Those without a water meter should contact their water company for advice. 

Further help is at hand from specialist water supply pipe installers, who can find and fix leaking underground pipes.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, explains: “While many of us are quite rightly on the lookout for leaking pipes inside our homes when freezing temperatures hit, you may not know that water supply pipes are vulnerable to leaks during a sudden freeze-thaw.

“If you suspect your underground water supply pipe is leaking, you should turn off your internal stop tap and take two meter readings, one hour apart.

“If the readings differ, you might have a leak and should contact a WaterSafe-approved contractor for further advice.

“Leaks can be harder to detect if you don’t have a water meter, so contact your water company for advice.  If you live in a rented property, it’s a good idea to check with your landlord in the first instance.”

According to the Association of British Insurers, claims for escape of water damage are one of the most common types, with insurers paying out £1.8 million for it every day.

Find your local WaterSafe-approved water supply pipe installer at www.watersafe.org.uk.

*Survey of 2,000 UK adults, 2021.

Almost 4 million pensioners face being cold at home this winter

3.9 million British pensioners could be facing a cold winter, following research which reveals over a third (36%) of over 65s expect to be too cold at home as temperatures drop.

The study found that over 65s are the most likely to be cold at home of any age group, with more than a fifth (21%) saying they can’t get their house warm on cold days, no matter what they try.

As a result, 34% of pensioners worry the temperature of their house is bad for their health on cold days, and it’s no wonder. The research, conducted by SpeedComfort, reveals that British homes are falling short of recommended healthy temperatures, putting older and vulnerable people at serious risk.

On average, British pensioners anticipate the temperatures inside their homes will drop down to 13.9°C this winter, over six degrees cooler than the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for older and vulnerable people (20°C).

According to Age UK, this drop in living temperatures can make older people more susceptible to infections, disease and viruses, and impact long-term respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions that many already live with.

The new research backs this up, with data confirming that older people are most vulnerable to the mental and physical effects of the cold.

The survey found that half (50%) of over 65s feel physical discomfort because of the drop in temperature – 7% higher than the average UK adult. Almost the same proportion (49%) say it makes them feel down.

On top of this, 46% of older people feel less motivated when cold and almost a quarter (23%) believe they get ill more often when their home is cold.

Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, comments: “It’s heartbreaking to discover just how many vulnerable older people in Britain will be feeling the effects of the cold this coming winter.

“With temperatures beginning to drop and the cost of bills continuing to rise, the next few months will present a significant challenge to many households across the UK. But, for older and vulnerable people, the prospect of being cold at home this winter is particularly concerning, given the significant associated health risks.  

“We know times are tough, so, if you are over 65 or have a loved one who is, it’s so important to consider alternative ways of keeping warm and safe this winter. To help with this, we’ve put together a guide for staying warm without increasing energy usage this winter.”

Find out how to stay warm on a budget this winter.

RoSPA: Control your speed to save lives this season

Slow your speed to save lives, that’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as we enter a period of wintry weather.

Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager for RoSPA said: “The UK will is entering a time of wintry weather leading to travel disruption, which can pose unique risks to drivers and pedestrians – these risks are increased if someone is speeding.

“Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop, removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into collisions.

“Driving at 30mph, vehicles are travelling at around three car lengths a second – one blink and the driver may fail to see the early warning brake lights; a short glance away and the movement of a child behind a parked car will be missed.

“With that in mind, and the poor visibility this season poses, it’s clear to see the tragic consequences speeding could have”.

RoSPA advises the following when driving in darker periods of the day:

Be prepared: As the wintry weather sets in, it is crucial for motorists to adjust their driving habits. The decreased visibility during early mornings and evenings demands heightened caution. RoSPA urges drivers to use dipped headlights, and ensure clean windshields, to be extra cautious when navigating poorly lit roads.

Control your Speed: Poor driving conditions and darkness increase the risks associated with speeding. The lack of visibility, compounded by higher speeds, can lead to devastating accidents. The Department for Transport (DfT) reports that in 2023, exceeding the speed limit was deemed a contributory factor related for 21% of all fatal collisions. In 8% of fatal collisions, driving too fast for the conditions was deemed a contributory factor. 1.

RoSPA emphasises that adhering to speed limits and driving to the conditions is paramount, especially when visibility is reduced, or weather conditions are poor.

Caitlin Taylor continues: “If you must travel during poor weather, I suggest leaving ample time for the journey, ensuring you can travel within the speed limit, and try to maintain a safe distance behind other road users.

“As we age, our ability to adapt to changing light reduces, which impacts how we see colours and contrasts in low-light conditions. It also takes longer for the eyes to recover from glare”

An estimated £5 billion in support has been paid throughout Winter to help families with energy costs

Nearly £5 billion of support has been paid to help households with their energy bills this winter  

  • Over £4 billion was paid to pensioners between November and March through the Winter Fuel Payment and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment   
  • An estimated £550 million has been spent this winter as part of the Warm Home Discount to support three million households   
  • Over 1.1 million £25 Cold Weather Payments have been made to households in England and Wales

Halving inflation has ensured everyone’s money goes further, however we remain committed to supporting households across the country with 11.8 million pensioners receiving up to £600 in Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments.

On top of this, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today estimated over 1.1 million Cold Weather Payments worth £29.6 million were paid out from November until the end of March – with over £9 million of this going to low-income pensioners receiving Pension Credit.    

Further support was also made available through the Warm Home Discount – to support three million households at risk of fuel poverty, allowing families to keep costs down and more money in their pockets. The Government expects partnered energy suppliers to have spent around £550 million this winter across Great Britain, through direct bill rebates as well other financial and energy efficiency support. 

This support was needed to protect everyday Brits from the inflationary impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine – helping millions of people get through the winter. Now – with energy bills dropping, wages rising, and taxes being slashed – people are set to have more cash in their pocket to help fire up the economy and beckon in more growth.   

We have turned a corner after the shocks of the past few years, and we are in a new economic moment and 2024 will prove to be the year that the economy bounces back.  

Minister for Pensions, Paul Maynard said:  “This Government’s actions have provided vital support to pensioners most in need.

“Halving inflation has helped everyone’s finances, and we remain committed to protecting our older loved ones across the country, with 11.8 million pensioners receiving up to £600 in Winter Fuel and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments. 

“And we are uprating the State Pension further from next week, meaning the full yearly basic State Pension will be £3,700 higher than in 2010, whilst the full rate of the New State Pension will rise above £11,500 a year.”

From this week people will start to see an increase in their Local Housing Allowance rates – benefitting some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit who will gain around £800 a year on average. This puts more money in the pockets of the lowest earners – giving them more spending power to boost their local economy.  

The UK Government is delivering £108 billion of support over 2022-2025 – worth an average £3,800 per household – and will continue to drive down inflation to help everyone’s money go further.    

These measures are boosted in April with Universal Credit and other benefits rising in line with inflation by 6.7 percent, and the State Pension increasing by an inflation-busting 8.5 percent – making sure that targeted support is going to those who need it most.  

Amey gritters ready for action

GRITTER NAMING APPEAL 2023/2024 

Amey South-West Trunk Roads are once again running a popular gritter-naming appeal that has, to date, led to over 6,000 gritter names being submitted by the Scottish public for consideration.

The newly named gritters will join classics such as “Sir Grits Hoy”, “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, “Skid Vicious”, and “Sweet Child O’ Brine”. 

Winners from last year’s competition and new additions to the fleet for the 2023/2024 winter season include: 

  • “Kevin Fridges” (Comedian, Kevin Bridges) 
  • “Stone Cold Steve Frostin” (WWE Star and Actor, Steve Austin) 
  • “Keanu Freeze” (Actor, Keanu Reeves) 
  • “Polar Abdul” (Singer and American Idol Judge, Paula Abdul)
  • “Taylor Drift” (Singer, Taylor Swift) 
  • “Sleeter Andre” (Singer, Peter Andre) 
  • “Skate Bush” (Singer, Kate Bush) 

Scotland’s tradition of coming up with inventive and fun names for their gritter fleet has gone viral on social media and makes headlines around the world.

In December 2020, Amey’s South-West fleet, with their distinctive bright orange livery, attracted the attention of IRN-BRU® who named a gritter “Grits You Thru”.

In 2021, another iconic Scottish treat joined the fleet with staff at family-run bakery Tunnock’s coining a vehicle “Caramelt Wafer”. 

Gritter names can be submitted to Amey online from today via a page on swtrunkroads.scot

Gritter name reveals will take place on the @SWTRUNKROADS Facebook and Twitter channels and will appear live on the Traffic Scotland Gritter Tracker.  

To prepare for this Winter, Amey have amassed 21,000 tonnes of road salt, 231,000 litres of brine, and 50,000 litres of potassium acetate.

The winter service is overseen by 10 Winter Service Duty Officers (WSDO) who provide a 24/7 presence on the network. The 17,500-tonne capacity salt barn at Amey’s Polmadie Depot, established in 2021, will continue to provide increased resilience in tackling adverse weather conditions across the trunk road network. 

The South-West Winter Service is comprised of 27 Frontline Routes, 15 Patrol Routes, and 12 Footway Routes (requiring 197km of winter treatment).

The service is delivered by 56 Econ gritters and snowploughs, 16 footpath gritters, 12 tractors, and 115 Highways Operatives. Winter Patrol vehicles are equipped with the latest Mobile Condition Monitoring Equipment and are fitted with Dash Cams.

In addition, an innovative liquid brine solution is being used on all roads and footpaths, to provide a more effective clearance of ice and snow. 

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @SWTrunkRoads  

PDSA: Arctic blast warning

COLD WEATHER ADVICE FOR PETS

Winter can be a fun time for pets, but with forecasts of an ‘arctic blast’ on the way, PDSA experts are warning owners to keep our four-legged friends safe and warm in the wintry conditions. Pets can be at risk of hypothermia if they get too cold, but it’s also important to ensure they stay active during freezing temperatures. 

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, asked their Vet Nurse Nina Downing to put together her top tips on keeping our pets cosy and safe through the big freeze:

Dogs

  • Giving dogs their daily walks is important for their physical and mental health, even during the colder months. Try to do this during daylight hours if possible, and consider getting a good dog coat.
  • LED collars or high-vis leads are a good investment, to help keep both you and your pooch visible if you’re braving the dark nights and mornings.
  • If your dog gets wet while out, dry them off as soon as possible. If you drive your dogs to walks, then keeping a towel in the car is a good idea.
  • Check their paws after walks too, as snow can build up and form clumps on the fur between dogs’ toes, which can be painful. Salt and grit can also irritate their pads, so when they return from winter walks it’s a good idea to wash their paws in warm water. Keep the fur between their toes trimmed short, and you can even use some paw butter or pet-friendly skin cream which may prevent their pads becoming dry and sore.
  • Don’t leave dogs in cars – the inside temperature can quickly become as cold as the outside, even if you’ve just been driving with the heating on.
  • Never leave dogs locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
  • Watch out for ice, this can be slippery for them as well as us, and if it’s broken it can even cut their paws. Keep dogs off icy surfaces, and definitely keep them away from any frozen lakes and ponds.
  • If your dog is very young, elderly, skinny or poorly then they are at higher risk of hypothermia. They can’t control their body temperature well so need extra care to keep them warm. High risk pets should only go outside for short times in cold weather, and should be closely supervised. Give them extra bedding and consider getting a pet-safe heat mat.

Nina added: “It’s worth considering whether your dog would benefit from a good winter coat to keep them warm and dry.

“Pets that are young, old, unwell, or that have very thin fur, can all benefit from this extra protection. Make sure coats fit well and don’t restrict your dog’s movement.”

Cats

  • Make sure your cat has a warm, comfy bed, in a draught free area of the house. If possible, make sure this is raised off the floor – cats are often more comfortable when higher up and it will keep them out of the coldest draughts.
  • Never leave cats locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
  • If your cat prefers to stay indoors during very bad weather, help them stay active by providing toys and enrichment activities. This will ensure they don’t miss out on vital exercise. Also make sure they have a litter tray that’s kept clean, so they don’t have to go outside if they don’t want to.
  • If your cat prefers to spend time outside, make sure they can always come inside when they want to. Providing an alternative option, in case cat flaps get frozen shut or blocked by snow, is also a good idea.

Nina continued: “It’s really important that our pets stay active during the winter – don’t let them become a coach potato! This can be challenging when the weather is uninviting, but many dogs and cats still enjoy exploring the great outdoors even during the cold and the wet.”

She also has some advice for keeping smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets cosy in the cold weather:

Small pets

  • Bring hutches under shelter – a shed or car-free garage is ideal, to protect them from draughts, rain and snow. Pets that are used to living outdoors can find a centrally heated home a stark contrast, so a cooler room is better, if you bring them indoors. Make sure they have access to natural light and an exercise run.
  • Bulk up bedding – give small pets extra bedding during the winter, so they can snuggle right down to keep warm.
  • Provide protection – if there’s no option than to keep hutches outdoors, then drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the mesh door to keep out the worst of the weather. You could also use plastic sheeting, but make sure any covers don’t obstruct ventilation.
  • Don’t forget to check water bottles or bowls several times a day to make sure they’re not frozen.

For more advice from PDSA experts, go to PDSA’s website pdsa.org.uk/winterhealth