It was hailed as Britain’s first “green” island and a glimpse of the what the future could hold for the rest of the country. But when the inhabitants of the remote Scottish island of Eigg put their faith in the wind and rain to provide all their electricity they did not reckon for one thing – mild weather. Now the 95 residents are being asked not to use kettles, toasters or other kitchen appliances after uncharacteristically mild weather caused a critical shortage of power. Other household equipment such as washing machines are to be used only outside times of “peak” demand for the island’s 45 homes and 20 businesses. The community owned power company has placed the island on “red alert” and issued notices effectively rationing electricity.