Schools closed and travel disrupted in Caithness due to severe winds
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EXTREME overnight winds have caused damage and delays around Caithness.
Trees were knocked down, sheds were damaged and lampposts bent after high winds ravaged the county.
Last night the Highland Council announced all schools in the county and in the north coast of Sutherland would be closed to pupils today. Some schools are open to staff who can travel safely to work.
The authority is currently liaising with Northern Constabulary to determine if there are any significant issues that need to be addressed.

An update is expected later today, however, no major issues have been reported so far.
Meanwhile, ScotRail services from Caithness to Inverness have been disrupted due to the high winds.
Train services between Inverness and Wick have been suspended in both directions. Replacement buses are operating where road conditions allow.
NorthLink’s Hamnavoe is currently berthed in Orkney. Due to the adverse weather forecast the 6.30am and 11am sailings from Stromness and the 8.45am and 1.15pm sailings from Scrabster have been cancelled.
The 4.45pm sailing from Stromness and the 7pm sailing from Scrabster are currently under review and an update will be issued later today.
Pentland Ferries has cancelled the 7.45am sailing from St Margaret’s Hope and the 9.30am sailing from Gills Bay.
The midday and 5pm sailings from St Margaret’s Hope and the 1.30pm and 6.30pm services from Gills Bay are currently under review.
All Stagecoach services in Caithness are operating, but are subject to delays due to high winds and debris on roads.
The following diversions are in place:
* The 80 and 280 services have been diverted between Castletown and Dunnet.
* Services 274, 276, 277, 278, 280, 281 and 283 are diverted between Thurso and Dounreay.
The X99 from Thurso to Inverness is experiencing delays of up to 25 minutes due to road conditions.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach in the Highlands said: "In certain areas roads are blocked with fallen trees, causing some route diversions. We are doing all we can to minimise delays during this time, however, safety is our primary concern and we are constantly monitoring the situation in case the weather deteriorates and we need to make decisions on service withdrawals."