Weathering the storm – Asda delivery driver clears A82 to help stranded motorists
A home shopping driver from Asda has been praised for his quick thinking and selflessness after helping to clear a major road blocked by fallen trees during Storm Chandra.
Jack Playle was returning to Inverness after completing deliveries in Fort William when he came across traffic at a standstill on the A82 at Letter Finlay.
A two-mile stretch of road had been completely blocked by fallen trees following hours of severe weather after the storm struck.
With around 50 vehicles stuck and daylight fading the 26-year-old didn’t hesitate to step in. He spent more than three hours helping clear debris from the road, alongside emergency services and contractors, working in near-dark conditions with only torches to shed light on the situation.
BEAR Scotland workers cut up the fallen trees while Jack helped clear them from the road.
Taking up the story Jack said: "As the day went on, I could tell the weather just wasn’t letting up. My customers’ fences were gone and trampolines had gone flying due to the wind.
"As I drove back up to Inverness I spoke to a police officer who explained the road was blocked for miles and would be closed for some time.
"There were guys from BEAR Scotland cutting up the fallen trees and clearing the road with chainsaws. They were chopping them into logs and I helped by clearing them off the road.
"It was about 5.45pm and dark so we were just using torches. I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing, I had to help out. We all use that road and all share the responsibility."
Jack also witnessed the aftermath of the storm’s damage to vehicles caught in the incident.
"Thankfully no one was hurt," he added.
"There were cars with branches sticking out of their windscreens, a crushed recovery truck and a crushed camper van. I’ve never seen anything like it.
"One of the stranded drivers was heading to Inverness so I offered him a lift. We had to go back to Fort William and then take another route. He was very grateful."
Fallen trees blocked the A82 at Letter Finlay.
Jack’s actions have now been formally recognised by his colleagues.
Tracey MacPherson, Asda Inverness’s new online manager, nominated Jack for an internal Asda Service Superstar Award.
"I am very proud of him for what he did in clearing the road," she said.
"Helping to move trees is not an easy task. He has a great attitude and a great work ethic."
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