Fresh rain warning for Scotland

A freight train derailment caused disruption to travel in the Highlands last week

The Met Office has issued a fresh alert of heavy rain affecting much of Scotland, just days after downpours caused major travel headaches.

The weather warning starts on Thursday but continues into the weekend.

Last week rail services around the country were affected by flooding and landslides.

The latest alert initially covers the south of Scotland and parts of the central belt but extends on Friday and Saturday to a much wider area.

Last week the East Coast main line between Scotland and Newcastle was closed due to landslides in north east England.

There was also severe disruption in the west Highlands following a freight train derailment near Tulloch, and a landslip at Arrochar.

On the West Coast main line a train delayed by flooding in Cumbria then caught fire near Lockerbie.

The latest weather alert is valid from 12:00 on Thursday.

It warns of potential thunderstorms and the risk of flooding with ground already saturated due to previous rain.

Friday and Saturday are also expected to bring "heavy and persistent rain" across much of southern, eastern and central Scotland.

That Met Office warning is valid until about midnight on Saturday.