Weatherman Sean Batty is urging homeowners and businesses to make sure they are winter-ready by protecting properties against freezing temperatures.

The water cycle can be kept running this winter by following a simple code to protect pipes, and prevent them becoming frozen during any cold spells.

The Scottish Water Winter Code campaign focuses on reminding property owners that water pipes can be at risk if the temperature falls below freezing.

A three-step guide can prevent the misery, inconvenience and cost of frozen pipes.

The campaign advises anyone with a home, holiday home or business premises to take action to heat, insulate and protect their properties, whether the property is old or new, ahead of any cold weather.

Sean Batty said: “Recent experience tells us that we must be prepared for all the elements that can be thrown at us during the winter months. It’s important that sensible and simple actions are taken to protect our homes and businesses against Mother Nature.”

Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Farrer, said: “Anyone who has returned to their house or work to find everything ankle deep in freezing water with carpets, furniture and equipment all ruined, will know only too well of the misery a burst pipe in winter can cause."

Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter for more winter information, advice and films.