Storm Boelo hits Scotland with 80mph gusts as rail and ferry services close

Storm Boelo is expected to sweep into Scotland with gusts of up to 80mph, following Storm Austen which brought heavy rain on Friday. Forecasters issued an amber warning for much of mainland Scotland and islands off its west coast, effective from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. The warning highlights risks of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, along with potential building damage, power cuts, and travel disruption.

Network Rail Scotland announced that rail lines in western and northern Scotland will close later. Services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire will stop from 9pm on Saturday, while the Oban and Mallaig lines will close from about 10pm. On Sunday, the line between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach in the Highlands will be closed from the start of service, as will the railway between Wick and Helmsdale. Trains will also run at reduced speeds across large parts of Scotland, with restrictions starting late on Saturday evening.

“We know closing lines and slowing trains will have a significant impact on people's plans this weekend, and these aren't decisions we take lightly.”

Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, said closing lines and slowing trains will significantly affect people's plans, but safety must come first when facing weather of this scale. He added that lines will remain shut until they can be inspected and deemed safe to reopen.

Almost all of CalMac's 30 ferry services on the west coast of Scotland have been cancelled, some until Monday. The operator cancelled all sailings for 28 routes, with the remaining two—the Islay ferry and the route between Cowal and Dunoon—also facing disruption. CalMac stated that disruption and cancellations are expected across its network until Sunday, 25 October.

Storm Boelo has also disrupted Scottish football. The Scottish Cup tie between Penicuik Athletic and Clyde scheduled for Friday night was scrapped after Storm Austen. Dalry Thistle against Kilsyth Athletic in the West of Scotland League was called off, and Camelon Juniors postponed their East of Scotland Cup tie against Civil Service Strollers due to a waterlogged pitch. The Petershill versus Neilston clash was also axed despite initially being given the green light at 10am.

Wind speeds of 72mph were recorded on South Uist on Saturday, with Tiree in the Inner Hebrides hit by 68mph and Islay and Port Ellen recording 58mph. Edinburgh Castle will also be closed due to the storm.