There was also the recent heroic efforts during the Cairngorm wildfire.
Just when things seem calmer, along comes a Summer storm.
SGA Media has just been given an update from the recovery effort from Storm Floris which is happening nationwide.
Members throughout the country have been lending a hand and here is one tale from a group of 3 SGA members helping out in the west.
Words by Lea MacNally, long-serving SGA Committee Member.
“We were aware that the epicentre of the storm stuck here around 12.30 with some severe wind speeds.
We got a call to say a local was on her way home and was stuck behind a fallen tree lower down the Glen.
Myself, Iver Ferguson and Sophie Gault went out and we met a scene of devastation with trees blocking around a two mile section of road.
Most were as a result of a clear fell on a neighbouring estate where trees adjacent to the road were not cleared.
We have contractors working in the area, upgrading the road. About 40 of the workmen were on the wrong side of the fallen trees. The contactor had called a professional tree surgeon to start clearing the road but he was coming from the lower end of the Glen where we knew the local was stuck.
By this time the storm had abated slightly and we were safe to work, probably clearing around forty trees including a driveway to a local cottage. We had assistance from some of the workmen, who helped clear branches and we eventually met with the tree surgeon.
Luckily no one or any property was damaged. Yesterday we again cleared the access to a local household.”
The picture, above, was taken after three hours of 'graft'.
Rural communities appreciate the help of gamekeepers, farmers and land workers in a time of emergency.
You can’t put a price on the importance of functioning communities across the countryside and the people willing to keep much loved wee places going.
