The Met Office has warned that western and northern Scotland could be battered by winds gusting to 75mph.
It has issued a yellow “be aware” warning due to a forecast for very strong southwesterly winds from 16:00 on Thursday until 11:00 on Friday.
The Met Office said gusts of 60-70mph were likely, but a few places could have gusts in excess of 75mph.
The warning covers parts of Argyll and Bute, the west Highlands, Western Isles and Northern Isles.
West coast ferry operator CalMac has said customers should expect weather disruption across its network.
And the Met Office warned of the potential for travel disruption and power cuts.
It said the winds should ease through Friday.