Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is working closely with Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government to ensure communication lines remain open to customers who remain without electricity in Argyll and Bute while engineers work hard to restore power to around 9,000 homes.

• Over 700 engineers are working hard to restore power; with 150 engineers working in the Dunoon and Bute area alone.
• Customers should check on vulnerable neighbours and contact SHEPD on 0800 300 999 if they have any concerns. If you know of neighbours or relatives who are especially vulnerable and out of fuel, please alert the relevant emergency contact on their behalf if necessary.
• Argyll and Bute Council has set up community rescue centres in the Rothesay pavilion, providing soup, sandwiches and hot drinks and is providing food to residents on Islay. SHEPD is also offering hot food through mobile canteens located in Rothesay, Dunoon and Lochgilphead.
• SHEPD is offering accommodation and food to customers who have been without power since Tuesday. Argyll and Bute Council’s social work teams have checked on all vulnerable clients, making sure they are safe and well.
• SHEPD is working to install two mobile generation units in Rothesay which should enable the restoration of power within some areas much quicker.
• Where customers are able to receive a mobile telephone signal on smart phones, SHEPD is regularly providing updates using social media and online (www.ssepd.co.uk).

Engineers are making good progress repairing the significant faults on the electricity network in the Argyll and Bute area. SHEPD still expects the vast majority of customers to have their power restored later today.

 SHEPD is providing mobile catering vans in the following locations:

• Rothesay – Scottish Hydro shop on Dean Hood Place; St Andrew’s Primary School, Gowanfield Terrace; and Craigmore Bowling Club, Foley Park.
• Dunoon – Hamilton Street.
• Lochgilphead – Bishopton Road.

SHEPD continues to proactively call hundreds of customers who are without power, particularly vulnerable customers and those who have been without power for some time. SHEPD has identified over 1,100 vulnerable customers within the Argyll and Bute area and has contacted them up to six times each since Tuesday to keep them informed and ensure they are safe.