22 Dec 2000
The Secretary of State for Scotland, John Reid, today wished everyone in Scotland an enjoyable festive season.
John Reid said:
"I would like to send my very best wishes to everyone for a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
"This year, we have seen the relationship between the Government and the Scottish Parliament grow and develop into a partnership which continues to deliver for Scotland. The progress we have made has convinced me that if the Government, Scottish Parliament, development agencies and private and public sectors can continue to work together as they have done this past year, we can enter 2001 with a clear sense of direction and purpose, and renewed determination to achieve the goals we have set for Scotland.
"I would urge everyone to remember those who will be working hard over the festive period to ensure that the rest of us can have a safe and enjoyable time. We all too often forget the huge contribution that Scotland's nurses and doctors, police, fire and ambulance crews and armed forces and voluntary organisations make over Christmas and New Year. They are the unsung heroes whose work is often forgotten, yet on whom we rely in an emergency.
"After the severe weather that Scotland has experienced in recent months, I am conscious that people may have concerns about what to do in the event of an emergency over the Christmas and New Year period. I have approached the main utilities to ensure that we give the maximum publicity to the emergency numbers that can be contacted in the event of an emergency. I know that the utility companies have been working hard to minimise the potential for disruption and will do all they can to overcome any difficulties that may arise."
NOTE FOR NEWS EDITORS
It would be useful if editors could give prominence to all the emergency numbers below. It may be useful to reproduce them in a "cut out and keep on the fridge" format.
ELECTRICITY:
SCOTTISH POWER
24hr Emergency Number: 0845 27 27 999
SCOTTISH HYDRO ELECTRIC
24hr Emergency Number: 0800 300999
Enquiry number (not 24hr): 0800 300000
GAS
BRITISH GAS:
Gas leak or loss of supply: 24hr Emergency Number: 0800 111 999
Quantum meter: Faulty card or meter failure
24hr Emergency Number: 0345 573 249
WATER:
West of Scotland
24hr Emergency Number: 0808 100 5333
East of Scotland
24hr Emergency Number: 08457 420 420
North of Scotland
24hr Emergency Number: 08457 437 437