DUNE AND OUT; Blocked road leaves families stranded.

Byline: Charlie Gall

SCOTLAND was recovering today after a weekend of bitter temperatures, wild winds - and even a sandstorm.

Homes were cut off when the strong winds blew top soil and sand from a field on to a road.

One householder at Red Castle, near Lunan Bay in Angus, said: "The road's completely blocked. It's more than 3ft deep in some places."

The resident said at least six homes were cut off because the C46 road which links the houses to Inverkeillor was impassable.

She said: "We're in an exposed area and when the wind picks up, it whips the top soil off the field. The sea at Lunan Bay has been red with the soil.

"Hedges planted two years ago are so tiny they're completely ineffectual to prevent the problem.

"It's a health hazard. We've had filthy black sand blown into our houses, down chimneys and through cooker hood vents.

"It's happening year on year." It is believed the soil and sand was blown from land owned by Geddes (Farms), of Colliston, Arbroath. They could not be contacted yesterday. Police said the road would be cleared today.

The gales also meant Saturday's play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns in Fife was called off.

Gusts of between 60 and 70mph were recorded on the Western Isles and in the west Highlands.

And there was even some snow in the mountains.

By yesterday, however, the winds had dropped and temperatures had risen, with much of Scotland enjoying a sunny Sunday.

CAPTION(S):

RED ALERT: Sand and soil block the road at Red Castle