A homeowner was left in disbelief after the roof blew off of his Prestwick home during Storm Eowyn.
Stuart Watson, 62, was evacuated alongside four neighbours after high winds ripped off the roof to his semi-detached property on Bellrock Avenue in South Ayrshire, on Friday morning. He had to call his partner Jackie, 59, while she was at work to deliver the news.
The couple said they have no idea when they will be able to return home.
Stuart, who works in logistics at Collins Aerospace, told the Record: “I was at home when I just heard this almighty gust of wind and a rumble like thunder.
“When I looked up the stairs, the insulation was coming down like confetti. I could see daylight coming through the plasterboard.
“I went outside and could see the whole roof had just folded over in half across the three houses. There was debris lying everywhere.
“I’m shocked by my system; I’ve never experienced a storm like this.
“My neighbours came out, and someone rang 999. The fire service was here within five minutes, as well as the police. They cordoned the area off. It’s not over yet—we just have to hope that the plasterboard holds; otherwise, the homes will be exposed to the elements.”
Bellrock Avenue is just two streets away from the coastal front in Ayrshire, which has taken the full brunt of Storm Eowyn.
Stuart and Jackie are now staying with friends but face an anxious wait to find out when their home will be safe to return to.
The couple are due to get married in six weeks and already fear how much the damage could cost.
Stuart continued: “We have been very unlucky. It could have happened to anyone in this weather, but unfortunately, it was us. At least no one was injured, but Jackie is just distraught. She couldn’t believe it when I rang her at work.
“We’ve been here for three years and have spent a lot of money doing the place up, and it’s just all gone in a storm.
“We have no idea how long it will be until we’re back. We’ll have to wait for insurers, but the whole country has been battered, so there will be many people needing help like us. It could take a long time.
“On top of all the planning for the wedding, it just feels like one thing after the other.
“My neighbours and I will all just have to wait and hope for the best.”
Stuart praised the emergency services for their quick response despite the relentless conditions.
“The fire service and police were amazing. They told me they’ve been inundated, but they were still here within minutes,” he added.
“They secured things as much as they could and warned all our neighbours of the dangers. They also went into the properties to retrieve some belongings to get us through. We can’t thank them enough.”
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