COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has expressed her gratitude to the wide range of people whose efforts over the past several days made such a huge difference to the way in which our communities were sustained through the period of severe weather.

The heavy snow saw lorry supplies to shops dry up and the lack of milk and bread by Saturday saw a bit of panic buying.

However, over all there was some excellent community spirit shown.

Speaking on Monday Ms Ewing said: “We are not quite back to normal yet after a period of particularly severe weather.

"Schools were having another snow day on Monday and the sheer amount of snow means that extra care had still to be taken on the roads, but I want to take the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to a wide range of people whose efforts over the past several days have gone above and beyond what might reasonably be expected of them".

She added: “From Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to the drivers of gritters and snow ploughs for working so hard to get traffic moving.

"NHS staff and GP practices for the determination they showed to get in to work, pharmacists for keeping open, home care workers who went the extra mile and food delivery drivers, struggling to keep shops supplied, a great big thank you for your efforts".

The MSP concluded: “Thanks also to those who made their vehicles available to help others, to the farmers who helped clear the roads and to every single person in local communities who cleared paths, looked after elderly and vulnerable neighbours and generally helped out those in need.

“You are true Bravehearts, everyone of you!"