Storm Darragh brings travel disruption to Scotland
Snow gates in the north east have been closed, while ferry services in the west have been cancelled
Last updated 7th Dec 2024
Storm Darragh is battering Scotland with wind and rain, as travel disruption continues across the country.
The trainline between Ayr and Girvan was closed after a large tree feel onto the tracks, meanwhile snow gates have been closed on roads in the north east of Scotland.
An amber warning for wind will remain in place for parts of Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire until 9pm on Saturday, and heavy wind and rain are expected along the east coast into the evening.
Network Rail have sent a chainsaw team to remove the tree on the tracks, with the line expecting to be reopened around midday.
The A93 and A939 between Cockbridge and Tomintoul have had their snow gates closed, while the southbound A1 has been restricted at Eyemouth due to a fallen tree.
A pedestrian in Kelso has been injured by a fallen tree, with people being asked to avoid the area while emergency services and the Scottish Borders Council deal with the incident.
The storm has also affected other parts of the UK and Ireland, with a rare red warning for wind in Wales and south-west England in place.
The Energy Networks Association reported 86,000 homes in England, Scotland and Wales were without power.
A number of CalMac ferries have been cancelled on the west coast because of the storm, with services between Barra and Eriskay, Ardrossan and Brodrick, and Fionnphort and Iona just some of those to be suspended for the rest of the day.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said earlier: "The Met Office is warning us to expect another period of disruption this weekend, with Storm Darragh set to bring strong winds to the south of Scotland.
"The south-west in particular will likely see the worst of the conditions.
"High winds will bring challenges for the trunk road network, so travellers should make sure they plan their journey in advance, drive to the conditions and follow Police Scotland travel advice.
"The Traffic Scotland website offers people the latest information on the trunk roads and the Traffic Scotland X page is updated regularly.
"You can also find details of wind-based closures for the bridges on the trunk road network, allowing you to check if your planned route is available."
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ Steve Cole is urging people to look after vulnerable neighbours where they can.
He said: “This does put a lot of pressure on local charities, it puts a lot of pressure on local authorities, especially in isolated areas.
“We would strongly encourage people to make sure you’re checking on your neighbours, especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable, and make sure they have things like the necessary support and supplies, and even someone to contact.”