Storm Ashley wreaks mayhem across Scotland as gale force winds shut down ferry services and drivers are warned of falling trees

Storm Ashley wreaked havoc across Scotland yesterday as 80mph gales prompted a danger to life alert from the Met Office.

The government run weather service issued the high level ‘amber warning’ as gales lashed the country.

There were particular fears of people being injured in coastal towns from large waves throwing debris on to roads, sea fronts and properties.

There were also reports of trees being uprooted in the winds and large tiles being blown from roofs.

An amber weather warning normally means there is a potential risk to life and property and replaced a previous lower yellow warning previously issued by the Met.

Waves batter the seafront in Saltcoats, Ayrshire

Waves batter the seafront in Saltcoats, Ayrshire

Amber weather warnings were put in place for the north west coast

Amber weather warnings were put in place for the north west coast

CalMac cancelled the majority of sailings yesterday, with the islands of Arran, Bute, Lewis and Harris being cut off as a result of adverse sea conditions caused by the high winds.

The ferry operator also warned that more services could be cancelled at short notice today and urged people to check times before they left the house.

P&O Ferries sailings between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland’s south west were also halted.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency issued 22 separate flood warnings across the country, including the risk of coastal flooding.

Trains were subjected to speed restrictions by both Scotrail and Network Rail causing delays for passengers.

Lines between Stonehaven, Aberdeen and Dundee were temporarily closed due to flooding.

Services between Crianlarich and Oban in the West Highlands were replaced by buses.

People were advised by Police Scotland to avoid unnecessary travel yesterday and if they did take to the road to make sure their fuel tanks were full and phones charged up in case they became stranded.

Weekend works on Longacre Bridge which carries the M8 motorway near Chapelhall in North Lanarkshire were postponed until next week for safety reasons while the A83 Rest And Be Thankful was closed because of a risk to motorists.

The recently opened Govan-Partick footbridge in Glasgow was shut off for safety reasons with a number of flights from Glasgow Airport cancelled due to the weather.

The Enchanted Forest family attraction in Pitlochry, Perthshire was also closed yesterday over concerns for the safety of staff and visitors.

Windsurfers made the most of the high winds at Troon in Ayrshire

Windsurfers made the most of the high winds at Troon in Ayrshire

The strongest winds were yesterday afternoon, lasting through the evening period and the first part of the night.

Winds of 69mph were recorded in South Uist in the Western Isles and 66mph in Aonach Mor in the Highlands with warnings of power cuts.

The Met Office also warned people to check for loose items outside their home such as trampolines or garden furniture that could blow away and cause damage.

Road speed restrictions were put in place on routes in Ayrshire, Stranraer, Perth and Inverness.

Drivers were also told to be on lookout over the next few days for fallen debris and trees blown on to the roads.

A Met Office spokesman told the Scottish Daily Mail that the worst of Storm Ashley should have cleared away today with weather returning to normal for this time of year.

On Saturday kayakers enjoyed tranquil conditions before Storm Ashley swept in

On Saturday kayakers enjoyed tranquil conditions before Storm Ashley swept in

He added: ‘However people should still be on their guard when they are out and about.

‘Monday will still be a pretty windy day.

‘You are still looking at fairly gusty winds of up to 60 mph.

‘As the day goes on the winds will ease and you will still get 35mph gusts with the chance of a gale force wind round the west coast.

‘But it will be drier day with showers.

‘Any strong winds will blow through quite quickly.’

Storm Ashley also caused problems yesterday south of the border with 132 flood alerts including River Severn, the Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.

The annual ten mile Great South Run in Portsmouth, Hampshire, was cancelled because of concerns for the safety of runners and spectators.