Maybole schools have been closed with pupils having a day at home as facilities close their doors, and transport is badly affected, as gale force winds his across Scotland.

All schools in Maybole, and across South Ayrshire, are closed today - Thursday 8th December as a precaution after the Scottish Government issued a 'red alert' weather warning late on Wednesday night. The area is now, along with the rest of central Scotland, being battered by gale-force winds.

The Met Office issued a red weather warning due to strong winds of up to 90mph expected on Thursday 8th December. In response to this, all Council offices and facilities are being closed this afternoon and will be delivering essential services only for the remainder of the day.

Refuse collections are now suspended and will resume at 6am on Friday 9th December. To help ensure your bin doesn't become a hazard, please bring it back in and store it safely. A small number of bins have not been emptied and these should be put back out for collection on Friday and we thank you for your co-operation.

SEPA has issued a flood alert for Ayrshire and Arran, which could give problems on the roads and in urban areas and cause drains and minor watercourses to overflow.

There will also be coastal impacts on low lying exposed areas from the expected high tide. This is due to a large surge, wind and waves caused by expected gale force winds. The public are advised to avoid these areas and promenades in Ayr, Girvan, Newton, Prestwick and Troon are now closed.

You can find out more here on the South Ayrshire Council website.

Transport Scotland is urging people to pay attention to police travel warnings. Police are currently advising all motorists to avoid travelling on roads in the Strathclyde area.

Please allow extra time for travel, avoid unnecessary risks and keep checking websites and local radio for real-time information. Also think about your neighbours, especially those who may be elderly or vulnerable and need some help or support.

You can also let the council know about weather-related issues such as damaged buildings by calling 0300 123 0900.

Other useful places to check for information are www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather and www.transportscotland.gov.uk

What do you think of the decision to close the schools? Have you been affected by the gales? Post your comments and share your photos here on s1maybole