Scotland Faces Travel Disruption and Power Cuts as Storm Boelo Hits

Overnight winds reached 85mph at Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute as Storm Boelo took hold across Scotland, according to an update on Sunday, October 25, 2026. An amber Met Office warning for the mainland and Western Isles runs until 21:00 on Sunday, with trains, ferries and roads disrupted.

Amber Warning Covers Mainland and Western Isles for 24 Hours

The amber warning took effect at 21:00 on Saturday and covers the mainland and Western Isles until 21:00 on Sunday. The report says a 24-hour amber warning is not unprecedented. It is unusual because it lasts so long over such a wide area.

The Scottish government’s resilience room, which ensures the country is prepared for severe weather, met on Friday.

In plain terms, amber means severe weather is likely to disrupt plans.

Earlier gusts included 76mph on South Uist, 74mph in Inverbervie and 68mph in Tiree. The strongest winds first hit western Scotland. They then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday, with heavy rain and frequent showers. Winds ease gradually from the west through Sunday.

Power Cuts Hit Homes as Floods Close Roads

SSE reported power cuts in the Western Isles and Argyll. Cuts in the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas were reported to SP Energy Networks. The Met Office had warned of a good chance of outages and an effect on phone coverage, plus damage to trees and buildings.

Dozens of flood warnings and alerts were in place. Flooding closed the A78 Inverkip Road in Greenock, the A77 at Lendalfoot in Ayrshire and several roads in Dumfries and Galloway. The Erskine Bridge shut to high-sided vehicles on Saturday evening.

Rail Lines Shut and All 30 CalMac Services Cancelled

Network Rail closed a number of routes as a precaution and set speed restrictions across much of the network. Borders line services were suspended because of subsidence.

• Kilwinning to Ayr, from 21:00 Saturday, with a half-hourly shuttle between Glasgow Central and Kilwinning;
• Kilmarnock to Stranraer, and Ayr to Girvan, suspended from 21:00;
• Fort William to Mallaig, and Crianlarich to Oban, from about 22:00;
• Kyle of Lochalsh to Achnashellach, and Helmsdale to Wick/Thurso, from the start of service Sunday.

CalMac ferry services were affected by the storm. The operator said some routes could face disruption until Monday and cancellation at short notice. Passengers on NorthLink Ferries are advised that there is a possibility of disruption to services from Saturday to Thursday because of the weather.

Police and RNLI Warn Against Travel and Coastal Walks

Supt Andy Barclay, deputy head of road policing at Police Scotland, urged drivers to consider whether journeys were really necessary.

The RNLI advised caution near exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers. Its water safety lead, Michael Avril, said conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.

Council and Heritage Sites Close Across Scotland

Edinburgh City Council closed Princes Street Gardens, Lauriston Castle grounds and Saughton Winter Gardens from Saturday evening and on Sunday. Historic Environment Scotland shut many properties, including the castles at Edinburgh, Stirling, Aberdour and Caerlaverock, Skara Brae and Inchmahome Priory. Western Isles Council told events including church services to plan accordingly.