Fallen trees block roads as drivers warned of adverse weather amid 70mph winds

Fallen trees are blocking roads and drivers are being warned of adverse weather conditions amid 70mph winds in the Highlands.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds for most of the Western Highlands and Outer Hebrides, from 10am until 7pm on Wednesday.

Emergency services have been dealing with gusts of up to 70 mph, which are affecting transport services including ferry journeys.

13 routes had sailings cancelled on Wednesday, including Troon to Brodick, Oban to Castlebay, Uig to Lochmaddy and Mallaig to Armadale.

Police Scotland said drivers are advised to take extra caution when driving in Skye due to adverse weather conditions in exposed areas.

In the Highlands, a fallen tree blocked the road on B8056 Shieldaig to Redpoint road before being cleared in the afternoon.

Another fallen tree is blocking the road on the B863 from North Ballachulish to Kinlochleven.

BEAR Scotland NW Trunk Roads said on X: “Gusts of up to 59mph are currently affecting the far North West of Scotland. On the A87 at Eas a’Bhradain, West of Luib, we have crews on site assisting Police Scotland.”

Network Rail also advised passengers travelling between Fort William and Mallaig after 8pm on Wednesday that speed restrictions are in place until 10am on Thursday.

This affects journeys between Glenfinnan and Lochailort stations, due to the extremely heavy rain that has been forecast.

Meanwhile, the body of one man was recovered as searches for two other men missing on a fishing boat continue in challenging conditions in the Western Isles.

Search and rescue teams were deployed to an area north of the Isle of Lewis, following reports that a vessel carrying three people failed to make port on Tuesday night.

Police Scotland confirmed the body of one of the men had been recovered at around 2.45am on Wednesday morning.

Search efforts remain ongoing for the other two and for the boat itself.

In an update on Wednesday afternoon, police said conditions were “very challenging” and warned people against going out to search.