THE moulded features of weatherman Iain McCaskill have been employed by the Scottish Office to promote home safety during wintry conditions.
His Spitting Image alter ego was yesterday unveiled as the star of a TV commercial offering advice on how to prevent frozen or burst pipes, prompting some observers to note that it was far from unusual to see a puppet delivering the Government's message.
The advertising campaign, sponsored by ScottishPower, Hydro Electric and the Association of British Insurers, will begin tomorrow and run until January 2.
Scottish Industry Minister George Kynoch said the commercial would be slotted, where possible, around news and weather broadcasts and across a range of other programmes to deliver maximum visibility.
It outlines a number of sensible precautions to be taken in advance of possible severe weather. These include checking insulation, turning on sufficient heating while it is cold to let warm air circulate freely and, if your home or office is to be empty over the holiday period, ensure that there is a keyholder available.
Mr Kynoch said arrangements were also in place to broadcast specific warnings to the public should the Met Office forecast severe weather this winter. The total package will cost #400,000.
Last winter, nearly 200,000 householders in Scotland suffered flooded homes and damage caused by burst pipes, according to the ABI, which paid out more than #300m in claims.
Meanwhile, it appears that only a limited number of places along Britain's east coast will enjoy a white Christmas tomorrow, with flurries of snow predicted.
Elsewhere, temperatures of between 2-4C are forecast, although a huge wind chill factor will make everywhere feel bitterly cold.
If this prognosis comes true, the bookies will once again will be smiling, since thousands of pounds have been staked on snow falling at various points across the country.
A London Weather Centre spokesman said: ``The bookies are probably going to be all right, with bright, dry weather for most places on Christmas Day.''
Some of Scotland's ski slopes have turned too icy for good skiing. However, the operators at all five main ski centres expect to be open for business over the holiday break.
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