Council warns that school transport may be affected by strong winds

STRONG winds associated with Storm Isha are expected to cause some travel disruption tomorrow morning (Monday), which may affect school transport and inter-island ferries.

The Met Office has a current yellow warning for wind for all of the UK, valid until midday on Monday.

As centre of Storm Isha passes to the north of Shetland, strong westerly gales are forecast across the isles, with the strongest winds expected between 6am and 10am.

All schools and early learning and child care settings are expected to open as normal tomorrow morning.

However, the council said bus operators may not be able to safely operate in winds exceeding 60mph.

Decisions will be made early tomorrow morning and more information will be available through the usual channels from schools, as well as on the council’s website, on social media channels and through local media.

If the school transport is cancelled in the morning by bus operators, parents and carers can decide whether it is safe for their children to travel to their school or early years setting, if an alternative means of transport is available.

If they do decide to transport their children to school, parents and carers must also arrange their afternoon transport in case conditions also prevent buses operating later in the day. Updates will be available on the school transport voicebank on 01595 745743.

Public bus services may also be disrupted by the strong winds. Bus passengers intending to travel should check the public bus voicebank on 01595 745744.

Inter-island ferries may also be disrupted tomorrow morning. More details are available on the council’s voicebanks and passengers are urged to check the status of ferries before travelling.