Scottish Water is urging householders across Scotland to take action to ensure their property and water pipes are protected from very cold weather forecast in the next few days.

The utility is reminding property owners that preparing for sub-zero temperatures could help prevent problems such as burst pipes and flooding and save unwanted expense for damage repair.

As the possibility of cold weather increases, the utility advises anyone with a home, holiday home or business premises to take action to protect their properties and pipes, whether the property is old or new.

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Kevin Roy, Scottish Water's customer service general manager, said: "Water pipes can be very vulnerable to swings in temperature and the freeze-thaw process. With a return to freezing overnight conditions and slightly warmer temperatures during the day, we are preparing for a potentially busy period."

"As we saw in December, burst pipes – especially those which the customer has responsibility for - can place additional strain on our supply systems as well as cause disruption. We would want all householders and businesses to prepare and be alert for any bursts which do occur."

"We are putting a range of resources in place to allow us to deal with issues which arise – but prevention in the first place is always a better option."