Council reminds landowners to check wind damaged trees

Following the high winds forecast and experienced this week due to Storm Caroline, The Highland Council is encouraging landowners to check trees and vegetation near to public roads which may have been damaged.  

Roads affected by fallen trees this morning were near Beauly; Achnagarron near Invergordon and Lochaber which staff are clearing.

William Gilfillan, Highland Council’s Director of Community Services said: “Damaged trees and vegetation can cause potential hazards to road users by obstructing the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. The Council is particularly concerned where weakened or damaged branches could subsequently fall on vehicles or pedestrians.”  

Under Section 91 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 the Council may serve notice on landowners requiring them to take action to remove hazardous or obstructive vegetation.  In extreme cases, where there is an imminent danger to the public the Council will take action and landowners will be liable for the cost.  
For further information, members of the public requiring advice and guidance on this matter should contact the Council’s Service Centre on 01349 886601.  

Following alerts from rail operators due to a trampoline on a rail track - for public safety, the Council also advises Highland residents to ensure that all trampolines, outdoor garden furniture and outdoor Christmas decorations are securely tied down.

With colder weather forecast - advice is available on the council’s website at: www.highland.gov.uk/readyforwinter on how to report flooding; Met Office forecasts; grit bin locations; Highland traffic and travel @HChighlandroads; Corran Ferry @CorranFerry; Service Point closures; helping vulnerable neighbours and preparing for bad weather at home.

For Trunk Road operations follow Traffic Scotland @trafficscotland and their operators Bear North West (Scotland) @NWTrunkRoads on Twitter.