OREANDA-NEWS. Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is now operating as normal following Storm Frank.

Engineers, linesmen and customer service staff have worked round the clock since the first power cuts that hit the north of Scotland late on Tuesday evening, restoring power to over 50,000 homes and businesses.

Dale Cargill, Director of Customer Services at SHEPD said: "Distribution to power supplies were initially caused by high winds, heavy rain and subsequent flooding quickly changed the situation on Wednesday. In the flood hit areas, such as Ballater, we've been working closely with Police Scotland and local authorities to ensure the safety of our customers and we'd like to thank everyone for the patience they have shown as we work to restore their power. Our engineers will continue to have a presence in these areas and anyone who is returning home after the storm and has concerns about their supply can contact us on 0800 300 999."

Over the New Year period we will be doing everything we can at SHEPD to ensure that the risk of disruptions is minimised, and that if any problems do occur, they are dealt with as soon as possible.

There are no planned or routine works taking place during the festive period but engineers, linesmen and jointers will still be on standby to help customers if needed.

As always, we will continue to monitor the weather throughout the New Year holiday and will be ready to increase resources if poor weather is forecast.

If you're unsure of what to do during a power cut or you would like to know more about how you can prepare for any possible outages, then please go to SSEPD's power cut advice page, where you'll find information and helpful videos.