Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 30 January 2025 14:54
The extremely high winds from the storm caused widespread impacts across the Stirling Council area last Friday with the Met Office issuing a rare red warning, with the challenging conditions continuing into the weekend.
Infrastructure and buildings were damaged, almost 100 roads had to be closed due to downed trees and dangerous debris, while multiple power outages affected thousands of residents.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, Cllr Jen Preston said: “The unfortunate reality is that rogue traders will attempt to take advantage of residents and business owners following storm damage to properties.
“Storm Eowyn has been one of the strongest storms we have seen in a generation, causing significant damage across the Stirling area.
“Many of our residents and business owners will be in a hurry to make repairs to their properties and rogue traders are likely to use this as an opportunity to target people in our communities, particularly the vulnerable and elderly.
“Don’t be taken in by these scammers by following the advice from our Trading Standards Team.”
Advice from Stirling Council Trading Standards:
• Close the door on uninvited callers. Don’t feel obliged to answer the door to a cold caller – it is your home and you should not let anyone in unless you feel comfortable.
• Take time to think before making a decision. Rogue traders may try to pressure you by saying that they have special deals which are only available today. Don’t let an uninvited trader start work straight away.
• Research. Get at least 3 quotes from trusted companies before having any work done in or around your property. Rogue traders go to great lengths to appear legitimate – check at least 3 review sites to make sure you are getting genuine feedback. Find traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards at www.approvedtrader.scot
• Verify that the person is genuine and take a note of the company’s details. ID cards can be faked – close the door and, rather than phoning the number on the trader’s ID card, look up the company’s number on their official website or in an official phone directory to check their identity. Legitimate traders will be happy to wait while you perform these checks.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Sign up to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system to receive timely alerts about local crime prevention and safety issues from partners such as Police Scotland.
If you have concerns about a purchase that you have made, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about a cold caller in your local area, phone Police Scotland on 101. More advice on dealing with these types of scams is available from Police Scotland: www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/doorstep-crime-and-bogus-callers
The latest information on services disrupted due to Storm Eowyn can be found on our webpage: www.stirling.gov.uk/service-updates/storm-eowyn-closures-and-disruptions
Cllr Preston added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, partners and communities for their incredible efforts in keeping vital services going and looking after the most vulnerable in our communities during one of the worst storms of recent times. We will continue to keep residents and communities updated on any disruption to services as we continue the recovery from this extreme weather event.”
For more info and advice on doorstep scammers, visit: https://www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/doorstep-scammers/
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORETickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MOREThe paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORETo mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MOREPollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MOREScottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MOREBark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MOREStirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MOREPeople will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORECineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORETeams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MOREScotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORELoch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORERestored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MOREAldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MOREFilm fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MOREFamilies can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MOREA drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.
READ MOREWallace High Senior Girls are the pride of Stirling after retaining the Scottish Cup in stunning style on Friday night in front of hundreds of delighted fans.
READ MOREIRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MOREScottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE