The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Brace yourselves for arrival of Ali
Landslides cut off communities as major storm sweeps in
Ahuge landslide cut off an island community after days of heavy rain, with the north on alert for more weather-related chaos from Storm Ali.
Tarbert in Harris in the Western Isles and places south of the village were cut off as thick clumps of vegetation poured down the steep hill and blocked the main road opposite Harris Hotel.
A section of the Moll Loop road near Sconser in Skye was also badly affected by a landslip, with a section tumbling into the sea on Monday evening.
Motorists were being warned to avoid the area.
The Harris slip occurred on the A859 before dusk on Monday. Between the road closure and a stricken cargo ship preventing the ferry from berthing, Tarbert was inaccessible from land and sea overnight.
Yesterday one lane of the road had reopened, but police said they feared there could be further landslides as the weather was due to worsen.
The nearby Sir E Scott School was closed for the day, but it was intended to reopen it today.
Harris Hotel manager Andrew Morrison said: “The first I knew of it was when a guest came in and said there had been a bit of a landslide.
“It was shocking how it all came down and to wonder how much more might come down.
“We’re very lucky no one was driving by at the time.
“There’s been a cleanup operation all day here. It’s extremely muddy everywhere.”
Western Isles Council said: “We have taken some precautionary measures at the site, putting sandbags on the roadside.
“It could be a couple of days before the clearup operation is complete. We have got to keep assessing the situation, further heavy rain is expected tomorrow.”
A police spokesman said: “Whilst work has been undertaken to clear debris off the road, there is concern of further landslides.”
The first major storm of the season is forecast to arrive today.
CalMac was advising ferry passengers to be prepared for disruption to its services and the Cromarty, Dornoch, Kessock and Skye Bridges were all expected to be closed to high-sided vehicles for parts of the day.
All ferries between Oban and Barra, Colonsay and Islay were cancelled, with many more subject to disruption.
The Met Office warned road, rail, air and ferry services could be affected.
“We’re lucky no one was driving by at the time”