The leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council has hailed the “remarkable response” to Storm Eowyn.
Winds of more than 90 mph battered the region last Friday, bringing down trees, causing power cuts and blocking roads.
Some communities were without power for six days, but people rallied round to ensure the vulnerable didn’t come to any harm, with warm hubs opening across the region.
Council leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said: “The remarkable response to Storm Eowyn has shown the very best of Dumfries and Galloway.
“Communities rallied together, looking out for neighbours and supporting one another in extremely challenging conditions. Council teams and partners worked around the clock to clear roads, restore services and provide urgent help to those who needed it most.
“This wasn’t just an official response – it was a community response. And I want to say a deep and heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who have helped this region get back on its feet over the last seven days.
“Across the region, from Stranraer to Langholm and Port William to Moffat, individuals and organisations have worked together to support those affected, and people stepped up to support one another in extraordinary ways.
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“Farmers and householders helped the clear-up in rural areas, residents coordinated generators through local Facebook groups, and in one snow-affected village, a resident acted as a key point of contact with the Local Resilience Partnership, relaying updates by landline when mobile networks went down. These are just a few examples – there are countless more.
“I also want to pay tribute to the people on the ground – our teams clearing roads, keeping services running, checking on vulnerable residents and ensuring essential support was in place. Our catering colleagues preparing food for warm hubs.
“Waste collection crews will be working extra hours this weekend to help communities. And social care, Care Call and Customer Services colleagues dealt with an exceptional number of calls, making sure help reached those who needed it.