Strong winds cause travel disruption across Scotland

High winds have caused disruption in parts of Scotland with gusts of almost 70mph recorded.

A boy skims stones on the beach at Dunnet Bay as storm clouds gather. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The Met Office has put in place a yellow “be aware” weather warning covering most of the country, with winds expected to increase throughout the day.

A wind speed of 68mph was recorded at Loch Glascarnoch, near Garve in the Highlands, with speeds of up to 59mph in Tain.

A gust of 56mph was recorded on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, with 55mph recorded in Aultbea in the north-west Highlands.

On higher ground, a gust of 115mph was recorded on the top of the Cairngorms.

Wind warnings or restrictions have been put in place on bridges including the A90 Forth Road Bridge, A87 Skye Bridge and A92 Tay Road Bridge.

The weather has also disrupted CalMac ferry sailings on the west coast, with some services cancelled or suspended.

Several events across the country have been cancelled, including the Foodies Festival in Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park.

Traders and customers said they were disappointed at the move, but understood why the decision had been taken.

A tweet from the organisers read: “We are very sorry to announce that Foodies Festival Edinburgh will not be open today due to high winds and concerns for public safety.”

Also cancelled was an annual raft race in Lossiemouth, Moray.

A tree on the line between Broughty Ferry and Carnoustie has disrupted train services between Dundee and Aberdeen, while passengers also faced delays on Glasgow to Oban services because of a tree blocking the railway.

Homes in Broughty Ferry and the surrounding areas of Dundee have been affected by a power cut.

High winds also meant that a person has been taken to hospital after a historic fishing boat was swept over by wind at a fishing festival.

Reaper, a 70ft vessel dating back to 1902, was docked at Johnshaven Harbour in Aberdeenshire when high wind blew it on its side, partially submerging it.

There had been fears the weather might impact on the Montrose Music Festival, where Canadian singer Bryan Adams is due to perform, but organisers said the event would go ahead.

Forecasters said the windy conditions were due to a relatively deep area of low pressure moving slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland.