A couple who found themselves completely snowed in at their Aberdeenshire home have hailed a 'good Samaritan' farmer who came to their unexpected rescue, clearing their lengthy driveway in a mere 20 minutes.
A Relentless Blizzard and a Timely Rescue
Graeme and Melanie Stewart, both 63, who moved to the village of Alford around 18 months ago, were facing a daunting three-hour task of shovelling snow on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. The snow had been falling persistently since New Year's Day, with depths around the village reaching about 4ft and drifting to heights of 6ft or 7ft.
Just as they began the arduous job, a neighbouring farmer they had never met before passed by the end of their drive. Without hesitation, he leapt out and offered to help. Dr Stewart recounted the moment, stating the stranger was "literally passing the end of the driveway" and proved to be a complete lifesaver.
The Farming Community Steps Up
The farmer returned swiftly with his tractor and snow plough, clearing the entire drive in just three passes. This act of kindness was not an isolated incident, but part of a wider effort by the local agricultural community. Dr Stewart emphasised that farmers were working at all hours to clear local roads, primarily to access their livestock.
"The roads around our house are only cleared because a farmer ploughs it twice a day to get to his sheep and cattle," he explained. He stressed that without the collective efforts of the farming community, the country roads would be impassable and the area would be in a "real mess."
Wider Impacts of the Severe Weather
The extreme conditions have caused significant disruption beyond isolated driveways. Dr Stewart, a hospital consultant, reported that medical services had been badly impacted, with carers having to walk to appointments in the local area. While some smaller village shops were still being supplied, transport problems had caused others to grind to a halt.
Despite the chaos, the incident highlighted the robust community spirit in the area. Having returned to northern Scotland from Worcestershire, Dr Stewart expressed being "very impressed" by how people go the extra mile. "The community does pull together round here," he said, grateful that in their village, the persistent blizzard had been met with equally persistent kindness.
