Tree cutting experts in northern parts of Scotland begin preparations for the winter

A team of tree cutting experts have begun preparations for the coming winter.

More than 30 arborists took part in an exercise to tackle forestry felled by high winds and helped to keep electricity supplies switched on.

Recent storms in Scotland have felled millions of trees, often bringing down power lines.

Mark Beauman, SSE’s performance manager for tree cutting in northern regions, said: “In advance of a storm arriving we look at where it’s likely to impact.

“We get an idea of how busy we are going to be and that allows us to position staff where we need to be. Then when the linesmen need support we can task our cutters and they can clear the area.”

Recent years have seen the north of Scotland bear the brunt of severe weather, with the aftereffects of Storm Arwen and Storm Babet still evident in some parts.

Workers taking part say it can be a dangerous job and involve emergency call-outs in all weathers.

Liam Scott, a trainee tree cutter, said: “Taking five minutes to assess and look up, there might be branches hanging. We clear stuff before we start cutting and get a good plan in place.

“You have to rely on everyone else’s experience – someone might see something you don’t”.

The teams work across the whole of the north of Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands, and say there are many things to take into consideration when working out how to clear fallen trees and access power lines.

Clara Mowat, a tree cutter for two years, said: “There has to be risk assessments, especially with electricity involved.

“There’s a lot of moving parts. When you hear trees crashing around you it’s a bit scary – but it makes life interesting.”