Strong Winds Batter Scotland

Scotland has been battered by high winds with severe weather warnings in place throughout much of the country. A gust of 71mph was recorded on the Tay Bridge at lunchtime while gale force winds of 50-60mph swept other parts of Scotland. The Met Office issued yellow be aware'' severe weather warnings of wind throughout the day until 6pm. The weather caused some disruption on the roads, with the Forth Road closed to high sided vehicles while motorists were warned to beware of high winds on the Dornoch, Kessock and Skye Bridges. Ferry services were also affected with disruption and some cancellations on CalMac routes. Surface water caused difficult driving conditions in the Strathclyde region. Peter Sloss, Met Office forecaster, said:There have been very blustery conditions as quite a big area of low pressure passed to the north and that has been responsible for the strong winds. But from now on things are easing and winds will become lighter overnight with much lighter winds on Sunday.'' High winds are thought to have contributed to an overturned coach which almost plunged dozens of passengers into a loch at the Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll on Thursday.