Weather: in the eye of the storm

SHETLAND escaped the worst of the storm that hit the north of Scotland overnight with wind speeds in excess of 100 mph.

In fact, the weather gods appear to have been appeased for the moment to allow for an almost perfect start to the Scalloway fire festival.

As the eye of the storm passes over Shetland a windy spell during the afternoon is forecast to abate in time for the torch lit procession on Friday evening before storm force westerly winds hit by the time the halls are closing.

Serco NorthLink has announced that its two passenger ferries will again be sailing early to avoid the worst of the weather.

The Hrossey, scheduled to depart Aberdeen for Lerwick at 7pm, will now leave at 2pm with check in opening at 1pm.

The departure of the Hjaltland from Lerwick has been brought forward by half an hour. She is now due to sail to Kirkwall an Aberdeen at 5pm. Minor delays in arriving in Aberdeen are expected.

Saturday night’s sailings are currently under review.

The disruptions overnight in Orkney and across Scotland meant that flights in and out of Sumburgh were delayed first thing on Friday.

There were no power cuts reported in Shetland.