A yellow weather warning has been issued for the whole of Scotland, with the north in particular set to be battered by gale-force winds.
Severe gales are expected to develop across much of mainland Scotland with the strongest winds anticipated across the north-west, where gusts of up to 70mph are possible.
Road users have been warned of possible travel disruptions with bridge restrictions and damage to trees and other structures likely.
There is also concerns over large waves building off the northern and western costs creating a risk of over-topping.
The Met Office’s Chief Forecaster said: “A vigorous area of low pressure will pass to the north of Scotland from late Wednesday onwards, bringing a windy period for much of the north of the UK.
A Yellow severe weather warning for #wind has been issued for Thursday: https://t.co/TmvTfmDfrK. Stay #weatheraware @metofficeuk pic.twitter.com/xbUHEUULxQ
— Met Office (@metoffice) September 27, 2016
“It now looks likely that the rearward portion of this low will swing south across the far north of Scotland through Thursday, bringing a period of very strong and gusty winds to the warning area.
“The strongest winds will arrive in the west early in the period, and transfer eastwards through the day.
“Areas exposed to the northwest are expected to see the strongest winds, but winds may also funnel through the Central Belt at times bringing a risk of disruption here too.”