ScotRail is warning that Storm Ashley could have an impact on train journeys on Sunday and Monday.

The rail operator admits travel disruption is a possibility with heavy rain and strong winds set to hit parts of Scotland for the rest of the weekend.

Yellow and amber weather warnings are in place with gusts of 70 to 80mph expected as well as a lot of rainfall.

ScotRail have confirmed that services across the country are at risk of being delayed or cancelled during the storm from early evening until Monday morning.

This could particularly affect the west and north Highlands, Ayrshire, Stranraer and between Perth and Inverness where there will be precautionary speed restrictions in place, which will increase journey times and reduce the number of services running.

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Customers are being told to check their journey before travelling via the ScotRail website, app or social media channels.

The severe weather has the potential to affect the start of ScotRail services on Monday, 21 October as debris may have been blown on to the railway. Network Rail engineers, working with ScotRail, will need to inspect the routes for damage.

Scott Prentice, ScotRail Strategy and Planning Director, said: “The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for Storm Ashley, with heavy rain and high winds across much of the country, particularly the north west.

“In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on some routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times.

“Customers should check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, app or social media feeds for live updates.”