Almost 8000 homes across Scotland were still without power shortly before lunch on Thursday & some may have to wait up to 48 hours to be reconnected.
Fergus Ewing has contacted transport minister Fiona Hyslop in response to a number of questions Highlanders have raised over the emergency's handling.
Dramatic pictures highlighting the impact Storm Gerrit is having on the Highlands' road network have been released by Bear Scotland.
Gales force winds up to 80mph are set to batter parts of the Highlands after the Met Office issued a yellow alert ahead of Storm Gerrit.
The new Met Office warnings cover Boxing Day morning and much of December 27.
Speed restrictions will be in force on all Highland lines until 9am on Christmas Eve amid ongoing Met Office weather warnings.
The alert for wind is one of two new warnings issued. Heavy rain is also being forecast on Saturday, with the gales on Sunday into Christmas Day.
The Met Office is forecasting up to 15cm in parts of the Highlands overnight Friday into Saturday as people prepare to travel for Christmas.
More than two dozen schools and nurseries across the Highlands were closed on Thursday after Storm Pia brought gales and widespread disruption.
Services will be suspended on Thursday on the Far North and Kyle lines, as well as between Inverness and Inverurie.
Skipinnish have announced a very special guest for their 25th anniversary concert in Inverness next summer.
The forecaster is predicting wintry showers and colder temperatures in the north as this weekend gives way to Christmas Day.
The brand new festival is coming to the Black Isle next year.
Sofas and other upholstered furniture will soon no longer be accepted at some smaller Highland recycling centres – but doorstep uplift will continue.
Highland residents have been urged to "take extra care" as we head into winter.
Highland rail passengers have been warned to expect possible disruption after speed restrictions were announced following an amber weather alert.
Torrential rain could bring up to 200mm of precipitation this weekend and may trigger landslides, the Met Office has warned.
Isobel Murray, who died last week, was a volunteer with the hospice for more than 30 years and was part of the Golspie Area Fundraising Group.
Police have urged Highland residents to be on the alert after the force received reports from locals who had received scam callers.
Lairg's mothballed police station, which has been empty for several years, is to be permanently axed and sold off, the force has announced.