RURAL communities in some parts of Scotland hit by snowstorms will be forced to struggle on without power for another two days as efforts continue to reconnect cut supplies.
Some 1650 homes are without power on Arran and Kintyre in Argyll, although around 700 were reconnected by engineers fighting to repair damaged pylons and power lines.
Storms on Friday plunged 20,000 homes into darkness on the west coast of Scotland, with the Isle of Arran suffering a complete blackout.
Thousands of people in Kintyre, Argyll and on Arran were yesterday spending a fifth day without power as hundreds of engineers work to reconnect customers cut off when two electricity pylons were toppled by sheets of ice and snow.
Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown said yesterday energy firm Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) is struggling to get everyone connected but the company was "confident" in having power restored to all customers in Arran, Kintyre and Islay by the end of tomorrow as long as no more damage to the network is found.
He paid tribute to everyone who had worked "incredibly hard" to open transport links and maintain and repair essential infrastructure, as well as all the volunteers and "ordinary people" helping neighbours.
Sandy MacPherson who has lived in Campbeltown, Kintyre, all his life said: "My wife and I have had nothing for four days. We've had no heating, lighting or cooking facilities.
"Had it not been for good neighbours and friends we would be really struggling."
SSE said "unprecedented" wintry weather has caused the worst damage to the electricity network in almost 30 years. It said it is the first time in the company's history two metal pylons have come down.
Around 600 homes were reconnected yesterday morning, leaving 2700 still without power: 1000 on Arran and 1700 in Argyll.
ScottishPower said it had reconnected all properties in Dumfries and Galloway.
A spokeswoman added: "Transmission overhead lines staff have started working to make towers safe and carry out temporary repairs after finally gaining access to the location."
Mr Brown said Finance Secretary John Swinney had activated the Bellwin Scheme to allow more revenue support to councils hit by the snowstorms. The scheme helps local authorities after large-scale incidents.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead is said to be trying to help farmers deal with the damage to livestock.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who visited Campbeltown and the surrounding area said: "Everyone involved from the volunteers to the gritters and snow ploughs, the NHS, local authority, SSE staff, local shops and businesses and the community in general deserve a huge vote of thanks."
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