Scotland was bracing itself for more high winds and heavy rain after the country was handed another battering from the elements.

Gusts of up to 70mph yesterday caused havoc for travellers and commuters, with flood warnings coming in to force as river levels began to rise.

For romantic couples tying the knot on the leap-year day, the winter onslaught was a minor inconvenience.

At Gretna Green, Laura Lines was among those who braved the wild conditions to get married on February 29, swapping her wedding shoes for wellies.

With more of the same expected today, the Met Office issued severe weather warnings for most of the country, with Strathclyde, Lothians, Highlands Grampian and south-west Scotland all affected.

On the transport network, the Forth Road, Erskine, Tay and Skye bridges were closed to high-sided vehicles yesterday afternoon.

Heavy rainfall throughout the day led to the environment protection agency Sepa issuing one severe flood warning, four flood warnings and 14 flood watches across the country.

In Perthshire, the River Lyon was at serious risk, with flooding expected to affect homes and businesses.

Ferry sailings on the west coast of Scotland were badly affected with Caledonian MacBrayne announcing cancellations.

Services from Ardrossan to Arran, Oban to Mull, Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, Largs to Cumbrae and Ullapool to Stornaway were all cancelled yesterday afternoon.

On the trains, commuters were stranded at stations in the evening rush hour as the weather forced the cancellation of some services through Glasgow.

Flooding in Springburn caused cancellations of at least four services and a train from Glasgow to Newcastle was delayed as a result of flooding.

Gusts of 70mph were recorded in the Oban area and Glasgow witnessed 50mph winds.

Strathclyde's Police and Fire and Rescue were called out to some minor incidents. Two chimney stacks fell down in Dennistoun, Glasgow.

Firefighters attended to clear the debris. No-one was thought to be injured. Reports of slates falling from roofs were received.