This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister in Western Isles visit
14/01/2005
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, who is responsible for
co-ordinating civil contingencies within the Executive,
today visited the Western Isles to meet those involved in
responding to the week's severe weather conditions.
Ms Jamieson was in Benbecula and then Stornoway to meet
the council, members of the emergency services, other
agencies, and those in the community who are dealing with
the aftermath of the severe winds, rain and flooding that
have affected the islands and other areas of Scotland over
recent days.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Jamieson said:
"Many parts of Scotland have faced severe challenges
from the extreme weather conditions over the past few days
- but few have been hit harder than those living and
working in the Western Isles.
"As the First Minister said today, and I will reiterate
in person tomorrow, our thoughts are very much with the
family and friends of those who have tragically lost their
lives in South Uist.
"The impact of such a loss will be with that community
for a very long time. For others, the clear up and the
recovery phase is now underway.
"As Minister with responsibility for co-ordinating civil
contingencies, I am visiting the islands to hear and see
for myself the problems local agencies and communities have
faced. I hope to meet representatives of the council,
emergency services, voluntary groups and others to thank
them for their unstinting efforts.
"Work that has been carried out often at some personal
risk and which has been echoed in communities the length
and breadth of the country in the last few days."