This includes a rare red alert for Scotland's central belt, including Edinburgh, from 10am - 5pm tomorrow (Friday 24 January). The Met Office has said high winds could reach 100mph (160km/h) and there is a risk to life due to flying debris, power cuts and damage to buildings. People are advised to stay indoors and to avoid travelling if possible.
The University will close and no teaching in-person or online will take place on Friday 24 January. We would ask those who have teaching due to take place tomorrow to liaise with your teaching office and the timetabling team to rearrange.
Key roles in ACE and Estates are being managed so that essential services across the University can operate and to ensure the safety of these team members.
Any events planned to take place on campus tomorrow will be cancelled. University nurseries will also close, and parents will be notified.
Staff are reminded to familiarise themselves with the University's Severe Weather Policy, which provides advice for when the weather impacts travel and daily working activities:
This policy includes:
A table of scenarios to help staff understand what they should do if severe weather impacts their ability to work.
A checklist to help managers plan effectively in advance of and during severe weather.
Confirmation that there is no expectation for staff to work from home during a closure situation, although staff can still choose to do so if they wish.
Clarification on the expectation we have of critical services and essential staff during a closure situation. The policy now includes confirmation of a 50% hourly uplift in pay or the equivalent time off in lieu, for essential staff who attend work during University closures caused by severe weather.
Staff should speak to their line manager if they have any questions or concerns.