Bookmark and Share
wpfb9b4c8d.png

Barra home helps braved the storm         13/12/11

Cllr Donald Manford has thanked Home Carers in Barra and South Uist for their efforts during last Thursday’s  storm.

Cllr Manford said: “Barra and South Uist were badly hit by the storms on the 8th but home carers battled on through atrocious weather to make sure their service was uninterrupted.

“There were numerous examples of home carers going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that clients were seen and their needs met during one of the worst storms we have seen for many a year.

“It truly was a remarkable endeavour to look after some of the most vulnerable people in our community and I would like to thank the home carers for their sterling efforts and commitment to duty.”

Barra had experienced the worst of the weather in the Western Isles with hurricane-strength gusts of wind.

Roofs, slates and caravans were damaged, with the former Co-op, the former primary school and the old Church of Scotland in Castlebay sustaining severe damage.

There was also damage to houses, particularly blown-off slates and sheds were wrecked. The island also suffered a power blackout during the day.

Many islanders wondered why the council failed to make a corporate decision to close Barra and Uist schools - since the storm was forecasted to hit the Southern Isles first and with more intensity.

All Uist and Barra schools were shut but at the judgement of teach individual headteacher and many of the closures were apparently not broadcast early enough. Later that morning all Lewis and Harris pupils were sent home.

The council said: “Headteachers in Lewis and Harris, similarly to those in Uist and Barra, made decisions that were consistent with the severe weather policy and made a local decision based on local needs which is totally consistent with our policy and procedures.”