A yellow wind warning has taken effect across Scotland as Storm Boelo threatens gusts of up to 80mph this weekend.
The strong wind warning began at midday on Saturday, with an amber alert coming into force at 9pm and lasting until 9pm on Sunday. Only Orkney remains under the yellow warning.
Warnings issued as Storm Boelo arrives
Forecasters have issued the warnings for much of Scotland on Saturday into Sunday as Storm Boelo hits the nation, the day after Storm Austen brought heavy rain to many areas on Friday.
The Met Office has warned of potential injuries and danger to life from flying debris, as well as a chance of damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.
“Very strong westerly winds associated with Storm Boelo are expected, with fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph and gusts to 80mph in exposed coastal areas,” the Met Office said.
“The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday.”
Rail and ferry disruption
Rail lines in western and northern Scotland are set to close later as a result of the strong wind and heavy rain warnings. Services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire will stop from 9pm on Saturday, while the Oban and Mallaig lines will close from about 10pm.
On Sunday, the line between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach in the Highlands will be closed from the start of service, as well as the railway between Wick and Helmsdale.
ScotRail said speed restrictions are also expected across much of the network from late Saturday night and throughout Sunday, with the potential for restrictions to remain in place on the Far North Line between Inverness and Wick into Monday morning. These restrictions mean trains will operate at lower speeds, resulting in longer journey times, delays and possible cancellations.
ScotRail has advised people to check before travelling and to consider alternative arrangements where possible. People with tickets for travel on Saturday or Sunday can travel on any service on Saturday, or use their ticket once routes reopen following the storm, including on Monday.
The storm has also affected ferry services, with fourteen of CalMac’s 30 ferry services cancelled, some until Monday. All other routes are facing disruption or last-minute cancellations.
Government response and event cancellations
Scottish ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for Storm Boelo. Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville chaired an SGORR meeting on Friday and said it will continue to “monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public”.
The City of Edinburgh Council said it will close Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle Grounds and Saughton Winter Gardens on Saturday evening because of the forecast, reopening on Monday once it is safe. Edinburgh Castle will also be closed on Sunday, with visitors warned the site may be delayed or closed on Saturday.
The Paisley Halloween Festival event on Saturday has been cancelled due to the severe weather forecast. The free event was planned to take over Paisley town centre with a parade of more than 400 professional performers and community groups, including street theatre and outdoor light installations. Friday night’s event went ahead, but Renfrewshire Council cancelled Saturday’s plans after advice from contractors and its health and safety team.
“We’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused but public safety is our priority, and we want our events to be safe and enjoyable for everyone,” said Lucy Adamson, Renfrewshire Council’s head of marketing, communications and events.
The Enchanted Forest event at Pitlochry on Saturday has also been cancelled, with organisers saying Sunday’s event may also be cancelled.
