Praise for Dunbeath emergency response during A9 snow closure Published on 22^nd October 2024

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18th January 2024

Local people who helped those stranded in the snow in the Dunbeath area have been praised for the way they rallied round.

The community health and wellbeing hub acted as an emergency centre during last week’s A9 closure – providing meals, soup and sandwiches as well as teas and coffees and making toilet facilities available.

It was the heaviest snowfall seen in Caithness for many years.

Dunbeath and District Centre’s operational growth manager Daniel Macleod said: “On behalf of Dunbeath and District Centre, I would like to say a huge thank-you to all volunteers, staff and members of the community who sprang into action during our emergency centre status.

“The adverse weather caused disruption on the A9, resulting in the closure of the snow gates in Dunbeath village.

“The emergency centre status was activated at 8am on Thursday to support those stranded in the conditions. The centre remained open until 8am on Friday.

“Over 200 tea/coffee and soups were distributed, along with more than 50 sandwiches and more than 50 meals, and there were in excess of 200 toilet and warmth stops.”

He added: “Kind donations were received from those affected in the disruption, and we are grateful for this.”

Some of those who were given hot meals in Dunbeath.

The snowy scene outside the centre during the A9 closure.

The snow gates were closed at Dunbeath.