SCOTLAND'S west coast has borne the brunt of continuing severe weather with gales gusting up to 70mph.

High winds battering the coast were expected to ease overnight as an area of low pressure continues to move across northern parts of the country.

Flood alerts and warnings have been issued in many regions due to high seas and heavy rainfall. Yellow Met Office "be aware" warnings of high winds were in force for the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and Argyll and Bute until 5pm.

The storm peaked between 2pm and 4pm yesterday with wind speeds of 70mph recorded in the Outer Hebrides at South Uist and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.

Flood alerts will remain in force overnight for coastal areas in the north and west.

Gales and large waves could result in flooding at high tide, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said.

Rachel Vince, senior ­forecaster for MeteoGroup, said: "It is going to stay windy overnight, but we expect gusts to generally be below 60mph in the Western Isles and below 55mph on the mainland and west coast."

Stormy conditions caused widespread disruption yesterday.

Christmas attractions in the capital, including the Big Wheel in Princes Street Gardens, were temporarily closed and several football fixtures were called off.

Passengers at Edinburgh Airport faced disruption to flights, while many ferry services on the west coast were cancelled or delayed.