Unseasonable summer gales will sweep across the Highlands today – and ferry passengers have been warned they could face severe disruption.
High winds have resulted in CalMac cancelling ferries between Mallaig and Armadale and Tobermory and Kilchoan, as well as the morning sailing from Ardrossan to Campbeltown.
And in Ness in the north of Lewis, a Saturday gala has been cancelled due to the forecast 50mph westerly gusts.
A Met Office spokeswoman said that gusts of up to 50mph will affect parts of the Western Isles today and that similar speeds could be felt across the north of the region in general.
She added: “It’s going to be gusty and breezy. There is also a risk on Saturday of some heavy rain in the afternoon in the Western Isles generally. Some of these showers could be quite heavy.”
Police in the north yesterday posted a message online which read: “If you’re hosting an event, keep up to date with the weather forecast and also consider securing garden furniture and tents etc.”
CalMac sailings today between Mallaig and the Small Isles are also liable to disruption or cancellation today.
Sailings between Berneray and Leverburgh, Barra and Erislay and between Oban, Colonsay and Kennacraig and Oban and Castlebay could also be affected.
Other CalMac ferry routes affected include the MV Lord of the Isles sailing between Lochboisdale and Mallaig.