A yellow “danger to life” weather warning has been issued for Balmoral and surrounding areas of northeast Scotland, as the Met Office predicts prolonged and heavy rainfall from Wednesday evening through to Friday night.
The alert covers Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Moray, Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Dundee, Fife and parts of the Highlands. Forecasters have warned that persistent rain on already saturated ground may cause localised flooding, disruption to transport and power outages, and in some areas, the risk to life cannot be discounted.
The Met Office expects rainfall totals of 30 to 60 millimetres across inland areas, with as much as 80 to 120 millimetres over exposed upland regions, accompanied by strong southeasterly winds. Rain is also expected to turn to snow over higher ground, adding further uncertainty to river levels downstream. Coastal areas are likely to see smaller rainfall totals, though strong winds and large waves may create additional hazards.
Balmoral Castle, the private Scottish residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, sits within the 50,000-acre estate of Royal Deeside, featuring mountains, forests and lochs. The estate, occupied year-round by staff, is particularly exposed to winter storms and heavy rainfall, though the Royal Family is not believed to currently be in residence.
The warning comes just days after the King concluded a visit to Scotland on Monday, where he hosted a reception for Scottish business leaders at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The event, attended by the First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, highlighted Scottish entrepreneurship and included a whisky tasting featuring Rosebank Distillery, founded in Falkirk in 1840.
Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to check flood plans and prepare emergency kits. Rail and bus services may face delays, and some rural communities could become temporarily isolated if roads are rendered impassable.
Colder conditions and further wintry weather, including snow and sleet, are expected across Scotland later this month, with the Highlands and Aberdeenshire particularly vulnerable following recent periods of snow and thawing.
