CalMac have warned bad weather could lead to ferry cancellations over the festive period.

The ferry operator is asking people planning to use its services to visit family and friends over Christmas to consider travelling earlier than planned if they can.

Sailings on the Ardrossan-Brodick route are already being disrupted, with services cancelled today (Tuesday), Wednesday and Thursday.

And with strong winds set to hit the west coast until the weekend, people are being warned there is a "heightened possibility of disruption".

A CalMac spokesperson said: "All sailings will be liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.

"Due to the unsettled weather forecast for the remainder of this week, customers are asked to travel earlier than planned if possible."

And the company have now confirmed two of today's sailings have already been cancelled due to high winds.

They said on Tuesday afternoon: "Due to strong winds and sea swell conditions, the 4.40pm sailing from Brodick and the 6pm sailing from Ardrossan have been cancelled.

"Due to adverse weather, the 7.20pm sailing from Brodick has been cancelled.

"The vessel will berth overnight in Brodick."

A weather warning for strong winds is in place for the whole of Scotland on Thursday, December 21 - though high winds are expected to hit the west coast on Tuesday evening.

The latest Met Office forecast is predicting that winds of 30-40mph are likely until at least Christmas Day.

The 7am from Ardrossan on Wednesday has already been cancelled, with the ferry set to berth overnight in Brodick to shelter from the winds.

In addition, Wednesday's first sailing from Arran will leave Brodick at 8am, rather than 8.20am.

Passengers travelling with a vehicle are advised to check in no later than 7.30am and foot passengers no later than 7.50am.

Referring to the disruption to Wednesday's Ardrossan-Brodick services, the spokesperson added: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused. However, these changes are necessary due to the severe weather forecast and the safety of our customers and crew must come first."

CalMac first revealed yesterday (Monday) that strong winds could force cancellations of some services to and from Arran over the next few days.

They said: "This service is liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice due to adverse weather. This is in relation to a forecast of strong winds. 

"We’ll keep customers informed should there be any further changes in connection to this route. If you’ve not already done so, download our app or follow our Twitter @CalMac_Updates so we can provide you with timely updates, with the latest information we have available.

"Alternatively, you can also sign up to our service status text updates."

Keep checking our website too for the latest updates on the ferry service.