DROP-IN centres will open across the Borders for residents without power in need of hot food, it has been announced.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) says around 6,500 homes in the region have been affected after Storm Arwen hit the UK over the weekend.

And now the council is opening centres at “key locations” to provide free soup, meals and hot drinks.

The drop-in centres will run at:

  • Duns Primary School – 11am to 6.30pm
  • St Ronan’s Primary School, Innerleithen – 11.30am to 3pm
  • Hawick High School – 11.30am to 3pm
  • Earlston Primary School – 11.30am to 3pm

Anyone who is unable to travel to the schools should call 01896 752111 to request assistance.

An SBC spokesperson said: “Thousands of homes have remained without power overnight, mainly across rural Berwickshire, and the council continues to liaise closely with Scottish Power Energy Networks and other key partners across the region to ensure support is available to those affected.

“Anyone with welfare concerns or who has been unable to find alternative accommodation should call 01896 752111 so that appropriate assistance can be provided by the Council or partners.

“Resilient Community groups have continued to support the council’s response, including through providing rolling checks on vulnerable residents in communities affected by power outages.

“Please note that only Scottish Power Energy Networks can provide updates on when power may be restored.”