7 September 2010 Last updated at 03:14 ET

Efforts to save boats in Fife harbour

St Monans was hit by severe winds which swept the east coast

Fire crews are working to save two fishing boats from sinking in a Fife harbour after the east coast was hit by severe winds overnight.

Gusts reached up to severe gale force 9 (54mph) and traffic restrictions have been imposed on several bridges.

In St Monans, firefighters are pumping water from the two fishing vessels and it is understood a third has sunk.

Heavy rains are also affecting areas of Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, the central belt and Argyll.

On Orkney an operation is under way to rescue a yacht which has gone aground off South Ronaldsay.

The vessel was spotted by her owner at first light in Widewall Bay. No-one was on board.

There are wind warnings for high-sided vehicles on the Kessock, Skye, Friarton, Forth Road and Erskine bridges.

The Tay Road Bridge is closed to double deckers and has a 30mph speed limit.

Central Scotland Police said extreme care was needed on roads in the area, after poor weather conditions left lots of debris.