Storm Pia sparks ferry cancellations from Scrabster and Gills Bay
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Ferry services in Caithness will face major disruption today and tomorrow as Storm Pia is set to hit the Highlands.
This comes as a yellow weather warning for strong winds is in place – which may reach 60 to 80mph in the region and are set to cause disruption to travel.
North Link Ferries have announced that all sailings between Scrabster and Stromness on Orkney are now cancelled and those for the following day (Friday, December 22) will be set for review.
This afternoon's sailings were all moved to depart earlier.
Pentland Ferries have also confirmed that all sailings between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope will also be cancelled tomorrow – after seeing the 5pm ferry from Orkney and the 6.45pm sailing from the mainland being cancelled.
A Pentland Ferries spokesperson said: "Updates will be announced as forecasts are updated and reviewed.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding."
CalMac has also announced disruption on their Ross-shire ferries, with the 6am and 1pm services from Stornoway and the 9.30am ferry from Ullapool being cancelled.
The 4.30pm service departing from Ullapool will be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
A spokesperson for the company said: "Cancelling a sailing is a decision we do not take lightly because we know it will inconvenience our customers and the communities we serve. However, the safety of our customers and crew must come first.
"In this instance, the Master of the vessel has judged it is necessary in response to the assessment of adverse weather conditions.
"We’ll keep customers informed should there be any further changes in connection to this route. If you’ve not already done so, download our app or follow our Twitter @CalMac_Updates so we can provide you with timely updates, with the latest information we have available. Alternatively, you can also sign up to our service status text updates.
