UPDATE: A BUS driver and a passenger were rushed to hospital after being struck by a tree in 70mph gusts.

The 57-year-old driver - who sustained serious leg injuries - had stopped the bus on the A7 road south of Galashiels,  after finding the roadway blocked by a fallen tree.

But as the pair exited the bus they were hit by a second falling tree which landed on the roof of the vehicle. 

A number of passengers were on the X95 Edinburgh to Hawick service but they were unhurt.

Both men were rushed to Borders General Hospital. The 27-year-old male passenger is understood to have minor injuries.

The accident happened at Boleside, half a mile south of Galashiels, around 3p.m. (Wednesday)

The bus was travelling south at the time of the accident through a tree-lined stretch of the A7 which has a series of bends on it.

The emergency services raced to the scene to deal with the casualties and  to make the area safe.

The road remained closed as workmen using power saws worked on surrounding trees to make them safe amid fears more were about to fall in the high winds.

A resident living near the scene said:"That particular stretch of the road is very tricky at the best of times.  But this is very scary. 

"The wind is getting stronger as the day goes on and the police were saying it is too dangerous to walk down there. They warned there is a real danger of more falling trees."

 Ambulance services received the call at 15:03 and fire engines from Galashiels, Hawick and Selkirk attended the scene. 

 The Selkirk to St. Boswells road was also closed due to an accident on the A699.

There were delays both ways between A1107 at Burnmouth and the A1 Lamberton due to a tree being down as high winds brought widespread disruption to the region.