WINDS of up to 85mph could hit areas across Scotland this weekend, causing travel disruption ahead of Christmas celebrations.
The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for the entirety of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles.
Starting at midnight on Saturday, December 21, the Met Office warning will now last until 9pm on Sunday, December 22.
The warning applies to Northern Ireland, parts of England, and all Scotland, excluding Orkney and Shetland.
Transport disruption expected across Scotland
Road, rail, air and ferry services in Scotland are all likely to be affected by the weather conditions, Transport Scotland said.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to use the transport network for their Christmas getaway over the coming days.
⚠️Yellow weather warnings UPDATED⚠️ Strong winds may bring disruption to many parts of the UK this weekend. Here's a look at the warnings in place on Saturday and Sunday 👇 Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/8AaMwMs7VY
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 20, 2024
Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We know the transport network is busier than usual at this time of year, particularly over the last weekend before Christmas, as people travel to spend time with their loved ones.
“By planning your journey before setting off, you can make sure you reach your festive celebrations in good time.
“If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is winter ready and follow any Police Scotland travel advice that may be in place. Traffic Scotland provides up-to-date travel information on the trunk road network through its website, X account and internet radio broadcasts."
On Friday, several CalMac ferry services were cancelled due to high winds on routes including from Oban, Ardrossan and Brodick.
Drivers are also being advised to use caution crossing the A9000 Forth Road Bridge and the A92 Tay Road bridge due to high winds currently affecting conditions.
Drivers urged to plan ahead on major roads across Scotland
Drivers have been urged not to travel on major routes for six hours on both Friday and Saturday to avoid the worst Christmas holiday traffic.
Douglas Cairns from Transport Scotland said: “Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges.
“The network is also expected to be busier than usual, given it’s the last weekend before Christmas.
“As always, we ask travellers to plan their journeys before setting off to ensure they reach their festive celebrations in good time.
“If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is winter ready and follow any Police Scotland travel advice that may be in place. Traffic Scotland provides up-to-date travel information on the trunk road network through its website, X account and internet radio broadcasts.
“The same advice goes for other modes of transport – if you are planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, stay in contact with your operator for the latest service information.”
What will is the weather forecast for Scotland on Christmas Day?
The winds will ease for the start of next week but there will be further rain moving east across the UK on Monday night, the Met Office said.
Christmas Eve will be a mild, blustery day with further rain or drizzle at times in the west and the best chance of sunny spells in the east.
Christmas Day itself is likely to be settled, mostly cloudy and dry, although strong winds and spells of rain are likely in the far north. Temperatures are expected to be widely very mild, with the chance of a white Christmas looking slim, the forecaster added.
