'No progress' since storm deaths

Archie and Murdina MacPherson fled their home during the storm

A relative of a family killed in hurricane-force winds has criticised the Scottish Executive and Western Isles Council for a lack of action.

Three generations of the MacPherson family died on South Uist as they tried to escape rising water and winds.

On the second anniversary of their deaths, the father of one of the victims said changes had still not been made to roads where the tragedy struck.

The council said work on two of the four routes had started this week.

The community held a public service to remember Archie and Murdina MacPherson, their children Andrew and Hannah and grandfather Calum Campbell.

I daren't sleep at night for thinking of what has happened and what's not happening now

David MacPherson

David MacPherson, Archie's father, told BBC Scotland: "The council and the executive are just playing between themselves, but they are both to blame.

"I think we've been very patient with them.

"For the past two years since we were hit by that disaster, nothing has been done.

"I daren't sleep at night for thinking of what has happened and what's not happening now."

In July the Scottish Executive made �432,000 available to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) for the upgrade of four escape routes.

Money received

Donald Manford, the chairman of the transport committee, said he could understand people's frustration but claimed it took time to strategically plan how best to spend the money.

"When the money has been received it has been put to effect as soon as that can be done," he said.

"Some of the money that has been received just recently will be implemented and work has begun this week.

"I would expect that to have been completed by the end of the winter."

An executive spokeswoman said that its support for the local community had been underlined by the announcement of a �9m rebuild package last year.

"The executive has been - and continues to be - committed in their support for the council and local people in rebuilding their community in the aftermath of the storms," she added.

"The finance minister has met with the local MSP to discuss that support and executive officials still regularly meet with members of the council."