News

Moderator Praises 'Beyond Inspiring' Response to Weather

Friday March 2 2018

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has paid tribute to everyone who has helped look after others and keep services open during the bad weather of the last couple of days.

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning said: “The stories never seem to stop. A man in Glasgow speculatively buying bread and milk and dropping it in to elderly, housebound neighbours; churches open with their heating on providing shelter and warmth for those caught out by the bad weather; extra attention for those who are sleeping rough; ministers walking out to visit parishioners to make sure they are all right, or when that wasn't possible phoning round; people taking hot drinks and food to cars marooned on motorways.

“It is also beyond inspiring to read about others who continue to do all that they can to keep roads passable, electricity, gas and water on, transport to hospitals and other emergency services possible for staff, and shops open for as long as there is food on the shelves. The Armed Forces, the Police, the women and men who drive the gritting lorries and snow-ploughs in appalling conditions have worked round the clock.

“It has been three difficult days for many people as people have gone extra miles to give support, care and love in whatever ways was possible. As the weather continues to be challenging, more will be needed not from the few but from the many. If you can, call not only on family and friends, but on people down your road, especially the ones you know that are on their own.