Parts of southern Scotland could be battered by heavy winds and rain from the former hurricane Kirk next week.

The storm is currently a category four hurricane but will lose that status as it travels north-east across the Atlantic Ocean in the early days of next week.

On its current path, ex-hurricane Kirk would hit southern and eastern Scotland but most of the disruption would be felt further south.

However, it's possible that the path could change and the storm could instead have its most potent impact on France.

(Image: Met Office) Chris Bulmer, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: “Kirk over the North Atlantic will lose its status as a hurricane early next week before being swept towards northwest Europe.

"The resulting low pressure system will still have the potential to bring disruptive rain and winds to some areas, including parts of the UK, from the middle of next week.

“There remains much detail to work out on the exact track and timing of the system. Across the UK, parts of England and Wales look to have the greatest risk of heavy rain and strong winds during Wednesday and Thursday. However, a more southward track of this system, which is equally plausible at this stage, would see the most disruptive conditions impact France.

"The need for warnings will be kept under review over the coming days, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”