Saturday’s Paisley Halloween Festival events have been cancelled as Renfrewshire prepares for strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Boelo.
Renfrewshire Council confirmed the planned programme for Saturday 24th October will not go ahead. Anyone who bought grandstand seating tickets will receive a refund and be contacted directly by email.
Lucy Adamson, Renfrewshire Council’s head of marketing, communications and events, said: “Unfortunately, a forecast for severe weather means we have decided to cancel today’s events at the Paisley Halloween Festival.
“We’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused but public safety is our priority, and we want our events to be safe and enjoyable for everyone.
“Anyone who purchased tickets for the grandstand seating for tonight’s event will be refunded and will be contacted directly by email.
“We’d like to thank everyone who turned out to Friday’s festival including our community participants, volunteers and partners, who helped create such a fantastic atmosphere across the town.
“We apologise again for any disappointment.”
A yellow wind warning covers Renfrewshire from midday today. An amber warning follows at 9pm and remains in place until 9pm on Sunday 25th October.
The Met Office forecast for Paisley, updated at 9.59pm on Friday, showed gusts reaching 50mph at 4pm today, increasing to 59mph at 9pm and 64mph at 11pm.
Sunday’s forecast showed a maximum gust of 65mph, with gusts above 60mph through much of the morning before gradually easing.
Across the wider amber warning area, fairly widespread gusts of 60 to 70mph are expected, reaching 80mph in exposed coastal locations.
The strongest winds are expected to affect western Scotland this evening before spreading eastwards overnight and through Sunday. Heavy rain and frequent showers will accompany the winds.
Police Scotland is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and consider delaying journeys until conditions improve.
Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The Amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.
“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.
“HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey.”
He added: “Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads.”
Drivers are advised to charge their phones and carry sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case of delays. Police have also urged road users to obey closure signs.
Rail passengers have been warned to expect significant disruption and longer journeys. Speed restrictions will begin across Scotland’s railway late tonight and continue into Sunday.
Network Rail has confirmed that services between Kilwinning and Ardrossan and Ayr will stop from 9pm tonight. The affected lines will remain closed on Sunday until they have been inspected and are safe to reopen.
The Crianlarich to Oban and Fort William to Mallaig lines will close from 10pm tonight.
Network Rail said extra staff would be ready to respond to fallen trees, debris and other storm damage.
Passengers should check with their train operator before setting off. Road users should check Traffic Scotland for updates on affected roads.
Photo Credit: Jamie Simpson / Renfrewshire Council