Bute prepares after Met Office weather warning
RESIDENTS Bute are bracing themselves for extreme weather after a warning from the Met Office.
A red alert was issued on Wednesday morning for gale-force winds expected on Thursday. Winds could reach 80mph across western, central and southern Scotland.
Scottish Transport minister Keith Brown said: "Tomorrow looks set to be a major challenge for our transport system, commuters and the public.
"According to the Met Office the worst period will be from 3-6pm and they are confident that wind speeds will exceed 75mph. They have issued a red alert, which suggest speeds could even exceed 90mph.
"We are all working hard to keep Scotland moving and I urge everyone to allow extra time for travel, avoid unnecessary risks and keep checking websites and local radio for real-time information."
Transport Scotland urged travellers to pay close attention to police warnings after the Met Office issued red alerts for Central, Tayside, Fife, Strathclyde, south-west Scotland and Lothian and Borders.
The worst of the weather is expected to coincide with the evening rush hour and structural damage is a possibility.
Calmac's Rothesay-Wemyss Bay ferry service was raised to amber alert on Wednesday night in anticipation of the deteriorating weather conditions on Thursday, while the Rhubodach-Colintraive service remained on amber alert after being placed on it earlier in the day.
By Angela Haggerty
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