A72 closed after tree brings down power line
Last updated 27th Oct 2026
The A72 has been closed both ways between Walkerburn and Clovenfords after a falling tree brought down power lines – sparking a fire.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was alerted to the issue around 6.30pm this evening (Monday).
Motorists were being redirected.
One local said: “The back road between Walkerburn and Ashiestiel Bridge is being used as a diversion and is busier than usual. Please take extra care.”
The scene was made safe around 9pm, and the fire appliance which responded was from Galashiels.
It comes as a meeting got underway in Hawick Town Hall urging fire chiefs to rethink plans to downgrade the town’s fire station.
Provost Clair Ramage said: “With emergency services stretched over the weekend and storms continuing it is more important than ever we support our Hawick firefighters.”
The A1 was closed for several hours on Sunday due to fallen power cables near Ayton, while the B709 was also shut between Innerleithen and Heriot due to concern for overhanging cables.
Dozens of homes and businesses were left without power as Storm Boelo caused widespread disruption.
Borders Buses was forced to cancel all but two of its services, but normal service resumed this morning.
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Praising the response of emergency teams, Berwickshire councillor James Anderson said: "Big thanks to all the SBC staff who were out over the weekend in the treacherous weather. It’s a hazardous job, and the response times for trees blocking roads have been really good.
"Another thanks goes to the resilient communities across Berwickshire. The network is clearly working better than it ever has, and information has been flowing well all weekend.
"Thankfully, we had a lot less damage than the scaremongering suggested we would.
"Ayton was the most upset because of a downed power line on the A1, all A1 traffic was diverted through the village but everyone coped well with it."
UPDATED (Tuesday): Meanwhile, a number of homes in the Scottish Borders remain without power for a third day, following damage caused by Storm Boelo.
Areas around Innerleithen, Bowhill, Roxburgh, and Crookham are among those affected.
SP Energy Networks says it’s doing everything it can to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.
In Makerstoun, power is having to be turned off so engineers can safely carry out emergency repairs to a broken pole.
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