WINDS of up to 90mph and heavy rain lashed Scotland yesterday closing roads and bringing treacherous conditions, delays and cancellations for travellers.

The Met Office's amber wind warning was in place for much of central, southern and western Scotland all day yesterday as gale or severe gale force winds hit all parts of the country with hurricane force gusts in exposed coastal areas of the west.

Transport chiefs said due to the high winds Forth Road, Erskine, Tay and Skye bridges were closed to lorries and there was also some coastal flooding.

Police across the country urged drivers to continue to be cautious with more wind and rain on the way. They said there was widespread disruption even though transport networks had been expected to be quieter than usual during the holidays.

Motherwell FC's league match against Dunfermline was cancelled due to high winds causing damage to Fir Park stadium.

Signage at Celtic Park was damaged in the gales and had to be repaired, but the Old Firm clash was allowed to go ahead.

Edinburgh Airport said the wind did not affect flights although some pilots had "looped" to return to land again to ensure a safe approach.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said yesterday: "The Scottish Government's resilience team are monitoring the situation as it develops and standing by to step up emergency response arrangements as necessary. The power companies are also prepared to deal with any power cuts."