Gusts of around 75 mph are possible across the Western Isles during the first part of Thursday morning warns the Met Office in an updated weather alert.
However, any one location is only expected to experience the strongest winds for an hour or so as a vigorous area of low pressure passes to the west of the Hebrides.
The strongest winds are currently expected to affect more northern parts of the Hebrides overnight and then move east over the northern Highlands during the first part of the morning.
A "yellow be aware" alert for Scotland is in place until 1pm but the worst conditions in the islands are forecast to ease before then.
The Met Office said there could be minor travel disruption with some bridge restrictions, and possible damage to trees and structures.
large waves will build off northern and western coasts of Scotland with the risk of some wave overtopping.
75 mph winds forecast for Western Isles
28 September 2016