ScotRail has announced that a number of local routes are to be cancelled until at least 4pm on Thursday due to high winds.

There will also be no services before 4pm on the following routes: Glasgow Central - Ayr / Gourock/Largs/Wemyss Bay.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for high winds for North Ayrshire from 2am - 6pm, A ScotRail spokeswoman explained the cancellations, saying: "This is a precaution by Network Rail Scotland as a result of the severe winds and storms forecast for the morning – with wind speeds of up to 95mph expected.

"As a result, a number of services will not run. This decision will be continually reviewed by the industry as the weather conditions are assessed.

"However, due to the extent of the restrictions, we are advising customers to consider whether their journey is essential." There will be no replacement bus service put in place according to customers who checked with ScotRail on Wednesday evening.

* With the weather set to improve in the evening, Largs Yuletide organisers are still hopeful that their event will go ahead on Thursday evening with a parade, fairground rides, stalls and late night shopping.

The yuletide organisers said on Facebook: "The BBC weather forecast says that wind and rain earlier in the day tomorrow will give way to a reasonable evening - still a bit blustery though, so wrap up warm on the streets."