Scotland records 100mph during Storm Eowyn as 'difficult' clear up begins

Scotland recorded 100mph gusts of wind as Storm Eowyn swept across the country.

The Met Office described the storm as “probably the strongest storm” to hit the UK in at least ten years.

It was the most intense in “more like 20 or 30 years” for some parts of the country, forecasters added.

A gust of 100mph was recorded in Drumalbin, South Lanarkshire, around 2pm on Friday while the red weather warning was in place.

In Islay, a gust of 91mph was recorded around 2pm, with 90mph recorded in North Lanarkshire.

In Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute, gusts of 89mph were recorded, followed by 87mph around 5pm in Inverbervie, Aberdeenshire.

In Glasgow, gusts of 86mph were recorded around 1pm.

Throughout the day, police were called out to almost 1,900 weather-related incidents with the fire service also responding to 300 incidents.

This included around 700 calls to Operations Control rooms in Johnstone, Dundee and Edinburgh as of 4pm.

The Red warning for wind from the Met Office remained in place from 10am until 5pm today across the Central Belt, Dumfries and Galloway and some of the Western Isles.

Disruption has continued into Saturday as the aftermath of the storm continues to be felt.

ScotRail warned customers that services would not return to normal until at least 12pm.

Network Rail said a roof from a nearby building on the track on the entrance to the tunnel to Glasgow Queen Street High Level means that no trains can run or from the station.

A roof of a building stopping trains from Glasgow Queen Street Network Rail

Elsewhere, the line is now fully open between Perth and Aberdeen.

Celtic’s Scottish Premiership match against Dundee on Saturday was called off because of storm damage to the club’s Glasgow stadium.

First Minister John Swinney said it would “not be a quick return to normal”.

“Amber warnings for wind remain in place for much of the country, while there are warnings for wind, snow and ice tonight and tomorrow”, he added.

“Across the area covered by the red warning road usage has been about 85% less than normal, and that is thanks to so many people heeding the advice not to travel. Police advice remains to avoid travel in areas covered by amber warnings, with wind particularly challenging for HGVs, and given the level of fallen trees and debris it will take some time for roads to fully reopen.

“Similarly, rail and air travel has been heavily impacted and people should check their planned journeys before setting off. This will not be a quick return to normal.

“Power cuts are affecting a significant number of properties, and while utilities companies are working hard to reconnect supply in the face of challenging conditions, this will undoubtedly take some time to complete.

“Companies are focused on supporting their most vulnerable customers and I’d urge everyone to be patient, take extra care and look out for each other.

“Given the levels of damage I expect the recovery and clear up operation will take some time, and I thank all of the emergency services and workers who are supporting people and dealing with this difficult situation.”

Cabinet secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “Communities across Scotland have endured extremely challenging weather conditions in recent days. With the Police Scotland ‘Do Not Travel’ advice now ended, it is only natural that people will want to get out and about again.

“However, with some yellow weather warnings still in place and the clear-up operation ongoing, I am asking people to remain vigilant for disruption. Teams across the network will continue working tirelessly as we move throughout the weekend towards the Monday commute.

“On behalf of the Scottish Government, I would like to express our thanks for their incredible continued efforts. We stand ready to assist local authorities where we can and would urge the public to remain cautious, plan ahead, and check before travelling.”