Winter’s back

HEAVY snow fall yesterday afternoon (Monday) brought traffic in Lerwick almost to a standstill and caused a number of minor accidents on the country roads.

Weather forecasters warned that more snow was on its way overnight and on Tuesday.

Eight schools in the north isles and the west of the Shetland mainland were closed yesterday due to snow overnight from Sunday to Monday.

The schools affected were Baltasound and Uyeasound on Unst, Cullivoe, Mid Yell and Burravoe on Yell, and Aith, Skeld and Happyhansel in the west mainland.

And a power cut yesterday morning plunged the whole of Shetland into darkness.

Scottish Hydro Electric said it was caused by a broken overhead connection wire in a 33,000 volt line, near Brae.

The loss of power occurred at 7.40am. Supplies were restored in stages – the first were restored at 8.50am and the last being restored at 10.40am.

A spokeswoman said: “Engineers are currently carrying out the necessary repairs and it is not anticipated that there will be any further interruption to the power.

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“We would like to apologise to all of our customers in Shetland for the interruption to the power this morning.

Meanwhile, Scalloway health centre had to close its doors yesterday after the power cut damaged some of their electrical equipment.

The health centre will stay closed on Tuesday and Wednesday with the following alternative arrangement having been put in place:

• There will be two walk-in clinics for Scalloway patients at the Lerwick Health Centre and between 9.30-12noon and 2.30pm-5.00pm on Tuesday, and 9.30am to 12 noon, on Wednesday.

• Scalloway patients are asked to check in at the reception desk and tell the reception staff that they are there for the Scalloway clinic. No appointment is necessary.

• Scalloway patients who require a home visit should call 01595 743216 and request a Scalloway Home Visit.

• Patients who have requested repeat medication prior to Friday 19th will be able to collect this from Scalloway Health Centre between 12noon and 2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Patients requiring a health visitor or community nurse, are asked to call 01595 743339.