Severe weather conditions are wreaking havoc on travel plans for residents and visitors to Scotland's islands, as high winds continue to disrupt both ferry and flight services. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind, which remains active until 21:00 on Sunday, January 14, covering not only all of Scotland but also sprawling areas down south of the border.
Indeed, the travel troubles have been significant. Numerous Loganair flights connecting Glasgow Airport with the Hebrides have been cancelled due to the conditions, leaving many stranded or forced to change their plans. The situation was echoed by CalMac, which confirmed the cancellation of 18 ferry routes, citing safety concerns prompted by wind gusts reaching as high as 82mph at Kirkwall and South Uist.
According to CalMac, "strong winds with gusts up to 60mph" were the primary reason behind these cancellations, particularly affecting the service between Troon and Brodick, which connects Ayrshire with the Isle of Arran. They stated, "all sailings were called off for the day to prioritize passenger safety." The operator did promise to review the status of the Oban to Craignure route, which links Argyll and Bute with the Isle of Mull, with the possibility of operating the 19:20 sailing. Nevertheless, strong winds and sea swells forced the operator to cancel the 18:00 ferry from Oban, among others.
The turmoil doesn’t end there. The ferry operator also alerted farmers and residents serviced by the routes to Tiree and Coll, stating no livestock transport would take place on Monday. Further complicishing matters, Western Ferries, which operates routes between Hunter's Quay, Dunoon and Gourock, also suspended services due to the adverse weather, mirroring widespread cancellations.
The Cairnryan to Belfast Stena Line route faced its own challenges, with all sailings cancelled except for one at 23:30 which remains listed as "in doubt". This has placed additional pressure on travelers, particularly those with urgent commitments across the water.
Loganair flights were affected as well, with notable cancellations including routes to Barra, the Isle of Lewis, and Benbecula, as well as Islay and Tiree. Many of those flying had to look for alternative arrangements as the airline struggled to maintain its schedule amid Mother Nature’s onslaught.
Dan Stroud, Met Office meteorologist, explained the severity of the weather conditions, saying, "There will continue to be more challenging travel conditions, with coastal areas seeing around 50 to 60mph winds. Extremely exposed coastal areas could see up to 70 or 75mph and parts of the west are expected to see 40 or 50mph." Stroud implored travelers to take extra care as they made their journeys. "My advice for people traveling today and tonight is to take it easy, particularly in the north and east. The main concern is the potential for icy patches, especially as ice warnings come later."
While the storm has certainly put many travel plans on hold, Nikki Berry from BBC Weather provided hope amid the chaos. She noted forecasts indicated winds would gradually ease throughout the afternoon and evening, offering a glimmer of respite for those affected. "Much quieter weather is expected from Monday, with temperatures likely to rise and help stabilize the situation," Berry noted, adding the weather would be "minimal" over the Christmas period.
The yellow weather warning for wind outlines the turbulent conditions affecting Scotland, Northern Ireland, as well as much of western England. ScotRail has also issued advisories, indicating certain routes have speed restrictions, which would cause cancellations, delays, and subsequent timetable revisions.
With forecasts improving after the storm passes, travelers are anxious for the return of normal transport operations but are urged to remain vigilant and plan accordingly. For many, the hope is to navigate the turbulent waters and reconnect with loved ones as Christmas approaches.
