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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Joe Scotting

Ferry services cancelled and speed restrictions in place on trains for Storm Ashley

CALMAC has confirmed that several routes have been cancelled due to adverse weather set to be caused by Storm Ashley.

An amber weather warning for strong winds has been issued for much of the west of Scotland this weekend.

The Met Office predicts gale force winds of up to 80mph will hit the country.

The warning will be in place until midnight tonight (October 20).

The CalMac routes confirmed to be cancelled are:

  • Ardrossan - Brodick 
  • Troon - Brodick
  • Claonaig - Lochranza
  • Armhor, Barra - Eriskay
  • Oban - Castlebay
  • Colintraive - Rhubodach
  • Wemyss Bay - Rothesay
  • Oban - Coll - Tiree
  • Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig - Kennacraig
  • Gourock - Dunoon
  • Tayinloan - Gigha
  • Uig - Tarbert
  • Fionphort - Iona
  • Kennacraig - Port Askaig 
  • Kennacraig - Port Ellen
  • Gallanach - Kerrera 
  • Tarbert, Loch Fyne - Portavadie
  • Ullapool - Stornoway
  • Freight Ullapool - Stornoway
  • Oban - Lismore
  • Uig, Skye - Lochmaddy
  • Berneray - Leverburgh
  • Mallaig - Small Isles
  • Mallaig/Oban - Lochboisdale

And the routes facing disruption today:

  • Tobermory - Kilchoan
  • Largs - Millport, Cumbrae Slip
  • Oban - Craignure

You can find out more information HERE . CalMac is urging customers to avoid making travel arrangements if possible.

Network Rail update

Elsewhere, Network Rail has confirmed rail services will face disruption as a result of the storm on Sunday. 

With gusts of up to 80mph expected to hit the west of Scotland, trains on the following lines will need to be slowed from tomorrow evening into Monday morning: 

  • West Highland Line
  • Kyle of Lochalsh - Inverness
  • Highland Main Line
  • Kilwinning - Ayr/Largs
  • Stranraer Line
  • Aberdeen - Dundee

Route director for Network Rail Scotland Ross Moran said: "Storm Ashley will bring high winds and heavy rain that will impact some services in Scotland. 

"To keep passengers and colleagues sage, we need to slow trains down on several lines across Scotland from tomorrow evening. 

"In the meantime, our engineers are carrying out extra checks on our pumps and in areas known to be at risk from the elements, particularly flooding.

"We'll have more staff than normal on duty to remove fallen trees and debris from the track, as well as to tackle flooding. 

"Some journeys will take longer than normal and we advise passengers to plan ahead. We will, of course, remove any speed restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so and we thank passengers for their patience."

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