Travel disruption expected due to 75mph winds

The Braighe, a stretch of road in Lewis, was closed for a time on Wednesday morning

Passengers have been told to expect disruption to flights and ferry services in the Highlands and Western Isles due to high winds on Wednesday.

The Met Office has issued a yellow "be aware" warning for the Western Isles, Skye and north west Highlands until 17:00.

The strongest of the south to south-westerly winds are expected late morning into early afternoon.

A warning of snow and ice has also been issued for the Highlands.

Gusts of 65-70mph are expected widely, with some gusts reaching 75mph, on Wednesday.

The Met Office has also warned of a period of squally rain in the affected area.

Rough sea conditions at the Braighe on Lewis

Airline Loganair and ferry operator CalMac have warned their customers to expect disruption to some journeys.

Earlier this week, Loganair offered customers travelling to or from Benbecula, Barra, Stornoway and Tiree the chance to adjust travel plans free of charge.

About half of CalMac's 29 services have been disrupted by the weather, with sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool among those affected. All sailings between Oban and Castlebay were cancelled on Wednesday.

The Braighe, a stretch of coastal road on the Isle of Lewis, was closed for a time due to rough sea conditions and high tide. It was later reopened to traffic.

The Met Office yellow warning of snow and ice covers large parts of the Highlands from 16:00 on Wednesday to 09:00 on Thursday.

It said some snow accumulations of up to 2cm - about an inch - were possible above about 150m (492ft), with up to 5cm (2in) above about 250m (820ft).