Storm Otto hits Scotland leaving thousands without power

Storm Otto has hit Scotland, causing thousands of homes to be without power and the closure of dozens of schools. 

Otto has seen widespread gusts of more than 60mph, with Cairngorm mountain recording speeds of 120mph. 

There have been travel delays and cancellations across ferries, trains and buses, with falling trees causing problems.

Network Rail Scotland said there were speed restrictions on some routes. 

A Met Office yellow warning for high winds is in place across most of Scotland until 15:00 with similar warnings of the Borders and northeast England in place until 14:00. 

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place for most of the country. It will be in place until 09:00 on Saturday.

Schools closed in Scotland and travel disruptions 

More than 100 schools have closed in Aberdeenshire, with almost 50 in Highland and a handful in Moray affected. 

ScotRail warned passengers of disruption and speed restrictions to trains across the network.

It said on Twitter: “Due to the wet and windy weather caused by Storm Otto, we have had to implement an emergency timetable for many areas across the country.

“Services are likely to be delayed and may have to be cancelled.”

The storm was named Otto by the Danish Met Office. The UK Met Office has adopted the same name.

It is the first named storm to hit the UK since Franklin last February.

The Met Office’s season for named storms runs from September to September, and the names are given to raise awareness of severe weather.