Man killed by falling tree as Storm Boelo batters UK

A 60-year-old man was killed by a falling tree in southern Scotland on Sunday as Storm Boelo brought severe weather and widespread disruption to the UK. An amber wind warning remained in place until 9pm, with authorities responding to power cuts, flooding and damage across transport networks.

Police Scotland said the man was struck on a minor road at Mid Kelton near Castle Douglas at about 10.30am. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Boelo followed closely behind Storm Austen, which battered southern parts of the UK on Friday. The second storm brought disruption to Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, extending a weekend of difficult conditions for travellers, households and businesses.

The Scottish Government convened its resilience room on Sunday afternoon to discuss the response. In an update published at 3.30pm, it said electricity suppliers reported around 40,000 customers without power, while approximately 26,000 had been reconnected. Continuing strong winds were hampering repairs, with work dependent on conditions being safe.

Flooding affected properties in Largs and Saltcoats and damaged some transport routes, according to the government. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said the storm's effects had initially been felt mainly around coastal areas, with flooding reported in the southwest. Its outlook identified continuing risks from coastal, river and surface water flooding.

Police Scotland had urged people to consider whether journeys were necessary or could be delayed until conditions improved. Its warning covered hazardous road conditions during the amber alert, including reduced visibility from spray. Transport Scotland also warned that fallen trees, debris and restrictions on exposed routes could affect journeys.

Rail services faced disruption from fallen trees, damaged overhead lines, flooding and power failures. Network Rail said teams had been clearing obstructions and repairing infrastructure across Scotland, with recovery work continuing through Sunday evening and overnight. Affected lines required safety checks before trains could return.

The railway operator said the vast majority of Scottish services were expected to run normally on Monday, although some disruption could continue. ScotRail said work on a small number of routes would extend into Monday morning. Passengers were advised to allow extra time and check their journeys because services could change at short notice.

The outlook remained unsettled beyond the expiry of Sunday's wind warning. SEPA said coastal flooding was likely in western and northern Scotland on Sunday, while continued heavy rain could cause river and surface water flooding in the north. A further weather system was expected to bring additional coastal flooding risks from Monday evening into Tuesday.

Authorities were therefore preparing for both recovery work and the possibility of renewed disruption early in the week. The Scottish Government said conditions could ease before adverse weather returned. Transport operators and flood officials urged people to follow updated warnings and service information as repairs and forecasts developed.