‘Don’t risk lives clearing building roofs’ – NFU Mutual

Farmers are being warned not to put themselves at risk trying to stop buildings collapsing because of snow.

Over 50 steadings have fallen down in Scotland and just across the Border in recent days and as farmers in the coldest areas struggle to prevent more from falling, insurance company NFU Mutual has issued a warning that the extreme risks involved aren’t worth taking.

Spokesman Tim Price said reports were coming in of farmers putting themselves and their staff at risk, trying to clear roofs by hanging off the end of loader buckets and even going onto heavily snow-laden roofs.

He warned: “These are dangerous measures and the prospect of falling through a roof is far worse than a building collapsing. We ask farmers to take extreme care if they are attempting to save their steadings.”

The insurance company believes that while the weather and weight of snow in Scotland has been similar to the falls which brought down more than 3000 steadings in January, the majority of the most susceptible roofs have already fallen.

Nevertheless at least four large steadings have been brought down which will result in very high claims.

Most of the collapses – around two thirds – have occurred in the North East of Scotland. NFU Scotland’s regional chairman Tom Johnston said farmers greatest fear was that the snow would thaw slightly and get heavier before yet another freeze.

One 100ft by 200ft steading collapsed on a farm owned by well-known beef and sheep breeder Harry Emslie, of Kinknockie, Mintlaw. He just managed to get all his cattle out in time and now faces the problem of finding new accommodation for the livestock.

Meanwhile the Scottish Government has introduced emergency measures for gritters and poultry feed delivery drivers to ensure feed supplies reach the country’s poultry farms. 

A number of farms – mainly in the north and east of Scotland – have reported that while traffic access was clear, EU Drivers’ Hours rules meant that animal feed supplies have been badly impacted by heavy snowfall elsewhere on the delivery routes.

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