Storm Aiden: plea for garden furniture to be secured after wind sweeps trampoline onto Scottish train line

Those who live near railways are being urged to tie down garden furniture after a trampoline blew onto a train track as Scotland was battered by blistering winds and heavy rain.

The trampoline landed on the line near Queen’s Park in Glasgow yesterday afternoon as Storm Aiden swept across large parts of the country – resulting in a two-hour disruption to rail services.

The storm is continuing to wreak havoc on the country’s transport system, with gusts of up to 75mph expected to hit the North West today.

ScotRail, which is also urging commuters to check and plan their journey in advance, tweeted: “Live near the railway?

“High winds are forecast, so please help us by securing any garden furniture, sheds or trampolines that could blow onto the tracks.”

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind – until 9pm tonight – and rain – expected to last until midnight.

Bus and train services are likely to be affected, with some journeys taking longer.

Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are also anticipated.

A trampoline was caught between a train and an embankment in Glasgow as Storm Aiden battered Scotland with rain and high winds. Picture: @ScotRail/Twitter/PA Wire.

The Met Office has warned short-term loss of power is possible, with some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities likely to be affected by spray and large waves.

Reports indicate the windy weather should steadily clear south-eastwards on Monday.

Speed restrictions are set to come into effect on train lines in the west, Network Rail Scotland has confirmed.

A tweet read: “Our Integrated Control team are monitoring wind alarms which alert us when wind speeds reach a set a limit. At present, there's a 40mph speed restriction on the West Highland Line. Wind speeds are expected to increase from 3pm.

More than 20 flood warnings have been issued across Scotland as Storm Aiden strikes the country. Picture: Michael Gillen.

“From 9pm, a 40mph speed restriction will be put in place on the West Coast Main Line and the Glasgow and South Western Line.

“Please check with your operator before travelling.”

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Many central and southern areas will again be battered by heavy rain and gales, with flooding a possibility around western hills.

More than 20 flood warnings have been issued for Tayside, the North East and Orkney, while the A82 has been closed in both directions east of Dumbarton, between Renton and Milton, due to flooding.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued the following guidance for Tayside, the North East and Orkney: “There is an ongoing risk of river flooding in this area during Sunday as rivers continue to respond to heavy rain on Saturday and overnight.

“Potential impacts include localised flooding of low-lying land and roads, and disruption to travel.

“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”

Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188.

Various CalMac ferry routes have been cancelled or disrupted as a result of the forecast for high winds.

The ferry operator has issued several red and amber warnings, with sailings between Tarbert and Uig on Skye, and Ullapool and Stornoway, among those to be cancelled.

A planned service from Sconser to Raasay will also no longer set sail.

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