Young people carrying out community service have been clearing snow and ice from pavements at the complex since before Christmas.

Mr MacAskill said: “This is a great example of a council responding quickly during this unprecedented cold spell. They immediately put their community service squads to work clearing the pavements around the homes of the elderly before Christmas.”

He said similar work is being done across Scotland.

Community service squads are in Glasgow, North and South Ayrshire, Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and the Highlands, clearing pavements around hospitals, schools and the homes of elderly people.

“In Falkirk, offenders have been helping deliver an essential service to the elderly and in Lanarkshire they are helping ensure delivery of aids and adaptation equipment goes ahead,” said Mr MacAskill.