The Western Isles will bear the brunt of a short, sharp burst of gales on Wednesday, according to a Met Office warning issued this morning (Monday 6 February).

The yellow ‘be aware’ alert forecasts south to southwesterly winds strengthening through Wednesday morning, to bring what the Met Office calls ‘a very windy day.’

The strongest winds, expected in the afternoon, will gust to 70mph widely and may reach gusts of 75mph, accompanied by squally rain.

The peak time of concern is between noon on Wednesday 8 February and 6pm that day, with cancellations of ferry travel described as ‘likely.’

CalMac has responded to the notice with advance notice of probable disruption on cross-Minch services and is advising passengers from Castlebay and Lochboisdale to Oban to travel tomorrow (Tuesday) if possible.