'Help your neighbour' plea as plummeting winter temperatures over Inverness and Highlands put vulnerable at risk
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Heartfelt pleas to protect elderly and vulnerable neighbours have been voiced as Inverness and the surrounding Highlands shiver in sub-zero temperatures.
The continuing cold snap has seen overnight temperatures plummet to their lowest of the winter so far, hitting -13 degrees just south of Inverness at Aviemore, and down to minus five degrees in the heart of the city.
The biting chill has raised fears for the elderly, sick and disabled, with the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy prices encouraging many to reduce or switch off household heating.
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been extended until Thursday with an expectation of dangerous surfaces for pedestrians and drivers, disrupted transport services, closed schools and an increase in pressures on the accident and emergency wards at Raigmore Hospital.
As well as difficulties in heating homes, there is expected to be a surge in instances of burst and frozen pipes, again posing particular problems for more vulnerable residents.
Local Highland councillors have led calls reminding able householders to do their bit to help and keep an eye out for neighbours in need.
Councillor Alex Graham, of the Inverness West ward, said: “I’ve had so many folk getting in touch concerned about slippery pavements and problems with a lack of road gritting.
“Pedestrian safety, particularly for the elderly, is a big worry as well as safety issues arising from icy roads locally.
“More than ever, it is a good idea just to check in on your neighbours, especially if they are ill or elderly.
“It may just be a wee neighbourly gesture like a wee bit of grit for their footpath.
“Heating homes adequately is a worry at the best of times for more vulnerable people, but much more so this year with the cost-of-living crisis and with energy prices frightening people into switching off heat.
“Luckily, we do have good people out there looking out for their neighbours.”
Bill Anderson, a retired chairman of Muirtown Community Council who lives at Blarmore Avenue in Kinmylies, is one unassuming local hero who does exactly that.
Mr Anderson (76) said: “I just keep a wee eye out for the neighbours. We have a few elderly folk and at times like these I grit the cul-de-sac, which is on quite a slope.
“If left alone, it could be difficult to get an ambulance in. There’s also a disabled man nearby and I grit his bit for carers coming and going.
“As long as I’m fit enough, I’ll do my bit. It is important that people try to get to know their neighbours and help where they can.”
Councillor Michael Cameron, of Inverness Central ward, highlighted charitable and other help available including Inverness winter payments, with applications open until February 28 next year.
Speaking yesterday, he said: “There is a lot going on in terms of individuals and organisations trying to get some food and warmth in people. In my own ward, the South Kessock Residents’ Association has hot soup on offer this afternoon, and every Monday, at the Merkinch Free Church on Madras Street.
“Café 1668 on Church Street, run by Highland Third Sector Interface, is also there offering free meals between noon and 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.”
Councillor Duncan Macpherson, of Inverness South ward, felt Highland Council officials needed to do more to mitigate dangers on pavements and roads.
He said: “The areas most troubled in this ward have been the upper reaches of Milton of Leys. When I raised it, I got a frosty response from the council.
“They said they were most surprised to hear that, having done pre-gritting, this and that. I took a run around myself and couldn’t believe it. Coming off the A9, which was black, the moment I turned off opposite the Drumossie Hotel the roads were white and treacherous. It is little wonder people are messaging me asking what the council are doing about this.
“If they are going to continually build houses higher and higher around Inverness, they must make provision with gritters based there. The place is like an ice rink.”
Most Inverness and Nairn schools remained open despite widespread problems elsewhere throughout the Highlands from freezing temperatures. Only Cauldeen Primary and nursery were closed for part of yesterday with no water, heating or power.
Two flights to Inverness yesterday morning, from Luton and Gatwick, were cancelled due to freezing conditions in London.
A Highland Council road conditions report indicated “very low road surface temperatures” in the Inverness and Nairn areas.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert warned icy weather could grip the Highlands beyond this week with temperatures dipping below -10 degrees.
He said: “The cold conditions will remain in situ during this week. More severe weather warnings for wintry hazards could well be needed as we head through the weekend and next week.”
