Scotland lashed by more gales

Gale-force winds hit Scotland on Christmas Eve

Thousands of homes across Scotland lost power as gales and heavy rain battered the country again.

Scottish Power said 3,800 homes in Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire were without power at the peak of the damage.

Winds of 50 mph to 60 mph blew across the south and west. In the north, SSE said about 500 properties were without electricity.

A yellow (be aware) warning for wind and rain had been issued.

The Met Office said there were widespread gusts of 50 mph to 60 mph, with up to 70 mph in the most exposed parts.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said rain falling on saturated ground could lead to flooding in low-lying agricultural areas, mainly in Tayside, but the risk to towns and cities was low.

Sepa reported an improving situation regarding coastal flood risks.

Rail services were disrupted during Friday morning, including services between Aberdeen and Dundee due to a loss of signalling at Aberdeen and Largs & Ardrossan services in Ayrshire because of damage to overhead lines at Saltcoats.

There were speed restrictions affecting the cross-border East Coast services.

Ferries were also disrupted, especially the Clyde and Hebrides routes, due to high winds.

The situation across the road network was generally good, with traffic lighter than normal due to the holiday period.