Public urged 'not to travel' as ferry services in Dumfries and Galloway cancelled amid yellow weather warning

Ferry services from Dumfries and Galloway have been cancelled as members of the public are urged not to travel amid a yellow weather warning.

The yellow warning comes into force at 6am on Friday and remains in place until 6pm. An additional warning for wind comes into effect at 8am covering southwest Scotland.

The warning for heavy rain covers Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, East and South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

Forecasters have predicted the potential for flooding and travel disruption in the affected areas.

Police Scotland confirmed that a number of sailings between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland have been cancelled on Friday.

The force said customers booked on affected sailings are advised not to travel to the area due to the impending weather warnings.

“They should instead seek alternative travel options elsewhere. Please check with Stenaline and P&O Ferries as appropriate for updates on your sailing,” a spokesperson for Police Scotland said.

“Freight drivers who must attend the area are advised to follow instructions from port operators and Police Scotland about accessing the Operation Overflow site while the cancellations are in place.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued six flood alerts in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City, Ayrshire and Arran, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee and Angus, Scottish Borders and West Central Scotland.

The heavy rain will be followed by strong winds with gusts of up to 70mph on Sunday.