... But there’s no ducking the weather!
LOCKDOWN loosened with a splash yesterday – as the heavens opened, heralding a weekend of wild weather.
But the rain failed to dampen the travel plans of some outdoor enthusiasts at one of the country’s most famous beauty spots.
Ducks were seen taking a waddle at Balmaha, on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, yesterday alongside crowds allowed to venture out of cities for the first time since March.
Children braved the weather too, meeting at playparks around the country to share a hug for the first time in three months.
However, for those hoping to see friends and family outdoors this weekend, the weather is set to worsen, with forecasters predicting most areas will be hit by a severe summer deluge and high winds.
The Central Belt and south of the country are set to get the worst of it from tomorrow, with 60mph gusts potentially bringing down trees and damaging roof tops.
Nick Maxey of the Met Office said: ‘The low-pressure system has the capacity to deepen as it arrives, meaning stronger winds than we are already predicting.
‘It looks as if this weather event could be disruptive at times.’
The dismal forecast comes just as many families were planning largescale reunions for the first time since March. Nicola Sturgeon announced on Thursday that children aged 11 and under no longer need to maintain social distancing in a group of up to eight children or adults outdoors, and grandparents are able to hug grandchildren once again.
Those heading outdoors will face some stormy weather – the Met Office has issued a yellow ‘be aware’ warning that comes into force at midnight tonight and lasts until 4pm tomorrow. Most of southern Scotland falls within the warning area, including Central, Tayside and Fife, South-West Scotland, Lothian and Borders and Strathclyde.
The warning states: ‘An area of low pressure is expected to develop over the Atlantic and track eastwards across central Scotland during Sunday with strong winds developing across a large swathe of the UK.
‘Gusts of 50-60mph are most likely over and to the east of high ground, particularly the Pennines, which may lead to some travel disruption.
‘With trees in full leaf, fallen branches and damaged trees may cause some localised travel and power disruption.’
People are being asked to tie down garden furniture to prevent a risk from flying debris in built-up areas.
The warning adds there is ‘a risk of severe gales around coasts and through the Central Belt’.
Last night, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had five flood alerts in place, mainly for western Scotland.