A dozen properties in Uplawmoor were left without power for several hours on Sunday as Scottish Power engineers carried out work on the network.

That didn’t go down well with residents who raised the matter with Uplawmoor Community Council who complained on their behalf.

Chairman Gordon Steel said: “I was contacted by residents in our village who are very upset that their power was going to be cut off on a Sunday which is their day of leisure. We can’t understand why this job had to be carried out on a Sunday rather than a normal working day when it would clearly be much less of an inconvenience.” Resident Aileen Jackson was also quick to criticise the utility firm and speaking to the News last week, she highlighted the difficulties facing rural communities.

She said: “We have vulnerable residents who will not only have no heating, light or ability to cook but most of the affected properties also have their own water supplies which needs an electric pump to pump the water from the well into the tank. It looks like everyone affected will have to go out for the day to get a heat and a hot meal.

“I have suggested to Scottish Power we should all get compensation for the expense of eating out, travelling and inconvenience at the very least.” A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “As the network operator in this area, we are obligated to provide connections to the electricity network for new developments and this work has been scheduled in accordingly. In order to complete this new connection, it will be necessary to remove supplies to 12 properties for a short period of time and we’ve written to all customers in advance. Our team will make every effort to complete this work as quickly as possible and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”