Oban December 8 storm

Oban was battered by winds gusting up to between 80-90 mph this afternoon, December 8 2011, with the town centre virtually closed down as people were sent home from work at lunchtime and schools closed across Argyll. The front on George Street was closed off to traffic after the roof of Skipinnish Ceilidh House came loose, slates came off buildings and clading on the roof of the Pancake Place also came loose. The Esplanade to the Corran Halls roundabout was effectively closed as waves were pushed ashore by the gusting winds and high tide approached at 4pm. A diversion was in place from Stevenson Street up through Rockfield Road and Ardconnel Terrace and Road to Longsdale. However this resulted in long delays after a bus and lorry were unable to pass in the narrow streets.