FESTIVE travel plans could be plunged into chaos for thousands of Scots, with gales and wintry showers predicted across large parts of the country today and tomorrow.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning with gusts of wind of up to 80mph predicted in the run-up to Christmas.
The yellow "be aware" alert covers much of the UK lasting well into Christmas Eve.
Travellers are being braced to expect delays and advised to plan ahead to take account of possible disruption across Scotland's roads, railways and airports as they make their way to friends and family for the festive period.
Dave Clark, a forecaster for the Met Office, said conditions would deteriorate as today progressed, with the worst of the weather likely to strike tomorrow.
He said: "We have a band of rain coming up from the south, so there is a chance of some localised flooding around the Borders on Monday.
"As that comes north of the central belt we are looking at snow over some of the highest routes across central and northern Scotland."
Conditions will worsen tomorrow as a south-westerly wind steadily picks up as the morning progresses.
Mr Clark said: "Tuesday will see frequent wintry showers with snow lying above 200-300m and sleet at lower levels. We are looking at severe gale force winds up much of the west coast. It will be a bit better across in the east but still gale force there as well.
"We could get gusts of up to 80mph through the Minches. That will be whipping up some fairly big seas so as far as transport is concerned that is where the major issues will be.
"There will be gusts of around 55-60mph through Glasgow for a time as well."
National Rail Enquires said that the stormy weather "may mean that some trains are delayed or cancelled, and some train operators may run an amended timetable".
Members of the public are urged to check the website for updates before they travel and use the Twitter hashtag #UKstorm for the latest information.
ScotRail, Virgin Trains and East Coast are among more than 25 operators across the UK which could face disruptions due to adverse conditions. Virgin Trains issued a statement yesterday which advised anyone due to travel this afternoon or evening to make those journeys either yesterday or this morning instead.
The operator said tickets dated for travel on Sunday or Monday would be accepted for travel on any train on either day. It has lifted all peak travel restrictions on its services until close of play tomorrow.
ScotRail said it was closely monitoring the weather situation and working alongside Network Rail to assess any necessary contingency measures. A spokesman said: "At present we intend on running a full service over the next couple of days, but that could change very quickly. Our message to customers is to keep in touch, whether through social media, registering for SMS journey alerts or via scotrail.co.uk. Our website will have automatic updates on any weather-related incidents and disruptions."
East Coast said its services departing London King's Cross through Peterborough and York would be subject to delays, cancellations and Network Rail-imposed speed restrictions. It too has lifted ticket restrictions, urging customers to travel either earlier than planned this morning or later on tomorrow.
The worst of the weather is expected to clear by the end of Christmas Eve.
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