Scottish rural community left without electricity as trees 'dangerously' close to power lines are felled

Residents in the north-east of Scotland have been left without power for about eight hours due to a controlled electricity shutdown for safety reasons.

The planned power cut, which affected 103 customers, was called for as trees growing ‘dangerously' close to electricity masts needed to be felled to prevent risk of them falling and damaging the power lines.

The shutdown took place in Glass, Aberdeenshire, between 9am and 5.30pm on Wednesday, 30 September and was carried out by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

One resident affected said: “I know some of the trees were falling down, and they were dangerously close to the masts so something needed to be done.

Part of a wood in Glass, Aberdeenshire, where the trees were being felled picture: JPI Media

"It was a bit of a nuisance not having any internet all day since lockdown rules have forced me to work from home.

"We don't get phone signal either so it was certainly a quiet day.”

The owner of the land where the felling took place confirmed native trees will be replanted in the area and residents have expressed interest in making use of the discarded timber.

In a message to those affected a spokesman from SSEN said: “If you have any questions or concerns regarding this interruption please don’t hesitate to contact us on 105 and quote number 194354.