‘Yellow’ weather warning

THE MET OFFICE has issued a “yellow” weather warning with gale force winds expected across the islands on Thursday.

It warns of strong southwesterly winds beginning in the early hours of Thursday and gusts reaching 55-65mph “quite widely” before the wind veers westerly and eases during the afternoon.

The Met Office is also warning of the risk of minor disruption to travel, while driving conditions may also be difficult.

Serco NorthLink’s freight vessel Helliar, which arrived in Lerwick at 7.45am, is due to set sail for Aberdeen two hours early at 4pm due to the weather.

Passenger ferries Hjaltland and Hrossey are currently expected to leave on schedule.