Travellers faced difficulty getting around the Highlands and islands yesterday as windy weather caused disruption on the ferries and roads.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne was hit hard by the blustery conditions, with 17 of its 25 services affected during the day.
Motorists in Inverness were also warned to take care as the southwesterly winds swept across the region and slowed up traffic on the Kessock Bridge.
Traffic Scotland placed restrictions on both northbound and southbound traffic from early afternoon, with wind speeds ranging between 35mph and 50mph.
Motorists using the A9 at Dornoch Bridge were also warned by Traffic Scotland to drive with caution.
The Met Office has issued a yellow “be aware” warning for today across the north Highlands, the Western Isles and Orkney and Shetland.
Winds strengthened to gale force and severe gale force in the early hours of this morning and gusts will range from 55-65mph across the region, reaching 70mph in north Sutherland and Caithness.
Yesterday all freight sailings between Ullapool and Stornoway were cancelled, and sailings between Berneray and Leverburgh were stopped from 3.45pm onwards.
Last night’s 6:50pm passenger service from Castlebay to Oban was also cancelled.
Several other services were on amber alert and more have been cancelled this morning as a result of the forecast.
These include sailings from Oban to Castlebay, Oban to Coll/Tiree and Stornoway to Ullapool. Reviews will take place later in the morning to assess the likelihood of running afternoon services.
Today’s 7:30am sailing from Lochmaddy to Uig is cancelled and there will be a review at 9am with a view to sail at 11am. Due to this cancellation, there will be a knock-on effect on sailings for the rest of the day, and passengers should check for timetable updates.
Sailings between Mallaig and Muck are cancelled today due to high winds and swell conditions, and sailings between Mallaig and Eigg will be on amber alert and a review will take place at 9.15am.
This morning’s 7am service between Ardrossan and Arran is also cancelled and a review for the scheduled 8:20am sailing from Arran will take place at 7:30am.
Sailings on amber alert today also include Uig-Tarbert, Oban-Mull, Oban- Colonsay, Oban-Lismore, Tayinloan-Gigha, Mallaig-Armadale, Sconser-Raasay, as well as services from Islay.