High winds hit Scotland’s ferry services over Christmas getaway weekend

Ferries have been cancelled and train services impacted as high winds hit Scotland’s Christmas getaway.

Festive travellers are having to contend with weather warnings for high wind which have come into force across much of the UK.

With the Met Office predicting a wet and windy weekend for many parts of the country, the forecaster said a “period of strong winds” could lead to “significant transport disruption including ferry cancellations”.

All sailings by P&O Ferries between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland were cancelled from 8pm on Saturday till at least 8pm on Sunday (22 December).

The operator appealed to passengers not to travel to their ports if their sailing was cancelled, in a bid to avoid traffic congestion.

Disruption is also likely on Stena Line services between Cairnryan and Belfast due to bad weather.

Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop urged those travelling by ferries, trains and planes to check with operators in case of disruption.

Speaking on Friday, she said: “We know the transport network is busier than usual at this time of year, particularly over the last weekend before Christmas, as people travel to spend time with their loved ones.”

Her comments came as yellow warnings for wind were issued from 7am on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday in Scotland, as well as parts of Wales and Northern Ireland and the north of England.

Westerly winds are forecast to pick up over Saturday, with 50-60mph gusts expected and a small chance of some reaching 80mph.

The Met Office said: “Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations.

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