PICTURES: Strong winds and huge waves batter east coast of Caithness

Strong winds and huge waves are continuing to batter the east of Caithness with gusts of more than 50mph blasting in from the east.

The coastline has been taking a pounding in the wild seas, accompanied by heavy rain.

Our pictures show the big swell and powerful waves in Wick Bay this morning.

The strong winds are expected to continue into Saturday in the Wick area, with gusts of well over 40 mph. The wind speeds are likely to ease by Sunday, although more heavy showers are forecast.

Torrential rain has led to a Met Office amber alert for parts of Scotland, including Aberdeenshire, Angus and Perth and Kinross.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.