Ash cloud affects Scottish island airports

Ash from the volcano is affecting flights in parts of western Europe

Flights at airports in the north of Scotland are still being disrupted by volcanic ash drifting from Iceland.

The National Air Traffic Service said Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra airports would close until at least 1900 BST.

Inverness, Wick and Kirkwall reopened at 1300 BST. Passengers were urged to contact their airlines for the latest information.

Another, higher ash cloud is hanging over the Atlantic, and may affect Scotland and Ireland during the week.

A number of international flights from the UK and Ireland have also been disrupted, with airports closed in parts of Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany and Portugal.

The Met Office said that dense areas of volcanic ash were expected to move across parts of France and Italy on Sunday.

Last month the ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano caused widespread disruption for thousands of UK air passengers.

Recent images have shown activity in the Eyjafjallajokull volcano intensifying.

Experts at the Met Office said it was sending ash up to heights of 30,000 ft (9,100m).

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