Landslip as winds batter Scotland

The landslip brought mud down the hillside onto the A83

A long stretch of the A83 has been shut after a landslide at the Rest and be Thankful road, west of Loch Lomond.

Police said westbound traffic was being diverted at Arrochar. Eastbound traffic was being diverted at Inveraray.

Engineers were due to assess the landslip which brought 600 tonnes of mud and debris down the hillside.

The road was closed for several weeks in October 2007 after 400 tons of soil and rock dislodged following several weeks of heavy rain.

Forecasters said Argyll had seen the worst of the wet weather, with 59mm (2.3in) falling at Tyndrum in the 24 hours up until 1400 BST.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued three flood warnings and had eight flood watches in force around the country.

There was also localised flooding in Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire.

High winds

Scotland was also hit with high winds, with gusts of 60-70mph across the far north and western isles.

The Met Office issued severe weather warnings for the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland warning of severe gales.

There was localised flooding in parts of Aberfoyle

A total of 17 CalMac ferry services were cancelled or disrupted, including those on the Isle of Eriskay - Isle of Barra route, in the Western Isles.

A CalMac spokesman said most of these services were subject to delay and asked passengers to check the company's website for further details.

A yacht, The Spirit of Rema, also had to be rescued off the island of Lewis.

The 10m vessel was sheltered in the lee of the island at Arnish, when one of its anchors fouled on a rope and the local lifeboat crew had to be called out to tow the vessel to safety in Stornoway Harbour.

Meanwhile, council workers had to be called in to help after a cypress tree at Inverness's main Tomnahurich Cemetery was blown down and hit a passing car. The woman driver was taken to hospital.

Traffic lights were also blown out in Inverness city centre.