Snow chaos in Scotland

Around 4,500 homes were still without power yesterday after snow and strong winds brought down power cables in Orkney, the Western Isles, Caithness and the Black Isle.

Staff from Hydro-Electric were working to restore electricity and additional engineers were being flown to the Western Isles and Orkney where helicopters will be used to help workmen reach faults. The gales and blizzards battered the east coast of Scotland with many roads closed in the Grampian region because of snow. Motoring organisations were urging drivers only to make journeys if necessary and a spokeswoman for Roadwatch Scotland said: "Drivers should ensure they have a shovel in their car, warm clothing and emergency provisions in case they get stuck in the snow drifts."