THE Met Office has issued a yellow "be aware" warning for all parts of Scotland as gale-force winds batter the country.

Gusts of 65mph have been recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, while Edinburgh and Glasgow have been buffeted by wind speeds of up to 47mph.

The winds closed attractions in the ­capital including the Big Wheel in Princes Street Gardens.

Flood alerts are in place in coastal areas in the north and west of the country, a number of ferry services have been cancelled, and the Forth Road Bridge and Skye Bridge have been closed to high-sided vehicles.