9am Briefing: Thousands left without heating after flooded pipe

THOUSANDS of residents in the Capital have been left without heating after a burst water main flooded a gas pipe.

Scotia Gas Networks has warned it may be several days before the supply is restored to more than 1000 homes in 26 streets in the Granton and West Pilton area.

Two schools have also been closed as a result of the problem, which comes as freezing winds and rain cause temperatures to plunge in the Capital.

• HUNDREDS of workers protested outside the headquarters of the Forestry Commission in Corstorphine yesterday after the Government confirmed their jobs are at risk because of cuts.

Staff have been told more than 100 posts In Edinburgh will be among 400 jobs to be shed over the next four years.

The city's economic development leader Tom Buchanan has ordered talks with the Commission to ensure the jobs that will be left after the cuts remain in Edinburgh.

• STRONG winds caused a lorry to overturn on a busy road in East Lothian.

The articulated lorry was blown onto its side on the A1 north of Torness just after 4pm yesterday.

The male driver, who was approximately 44-years-old, was released from the vehicle by emergency services and received first aid at the scene.