COMPANIES across the country have been put on winter alert.

Scottish Water is warning firms to protect their water pipes as temperatures begin to drop.

Chief operating officer Peter Farrer said: "There's no telling whether there will be a repeat of the extreme conditions of the last few years and that is why it is sensible for people across Scotland to start thinking about protecting their pipes, whether at home or at work, and make sure they are prepared.

"Very often people assume that it won't happen to them but there are few things more frustrating than opening up your work premises to find everything ankle deep in freezing water and your stock, carpets and equipment all ruined because of a burst pipe."