Wind warning disrupts island ferries and flights

CalMac cited “strong winds with gusts up to 60mph” as the reason it cancelled all sailings on the Troon to Brodick service, connecting Ayrshire with the Isle of Arran.

The ferry operator pledged to review cancellations on the Oban to Craignure route, connecting Argyll and Bute with the Isle of Mull, with the possibility that a 19:20 sailing could go ahead on Sunday.

However, it cited “strong winds and sea swell” as grounds for cancelling all other sailings, including the 18:00 ferry from Oban.

Farmers were also warned no livestock could be transported on sailings to Tiree and Coll from Oban on Monday.

Western Ferries, which operates car and passenger ferries sailing between Hunter’s Quay, Dunoon, Argyll and Bute; and Gourock, Inverclyde, said services are suspended due to the weather.

All sailings on the Cairnryan to Belfast Stena Line route are cancelled, except the 23:30 sailing which is listed as “in doubt”.

Loganair flights to Barra, the Isle of Lewis, and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, and to Islay, as well as Tiree, in the Inner Hebrides, were cancelled on Sunday.

The yellow weather warning for wind covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and much of western England.

ScotRail has also warned that some routes have speed restrictions in place, which would lead to delays, cancellations and revisions of timetables. Disruption is expected until 21:00.

Nikki Berry from BBC Weather said forecasts suggested that winds would gradually ease through the afternoon and evening.

Much quieter weather is expected from Monday, she said, with temperatures gradually rising to leave all areas in double figures Celsius by Christmas Eve.

She added weather impacts would be “minimal” over the Christmas period.