Weather: Aberdeenshire schools closed by snow

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 22/03/2013 10:56

SIX schools in Aberdeenshire and two in Angus were closed today as drifting snow and high winds brought chaos to roads across the North east and Tayside.

The schools which have been closed include the primaries at Fisherford, Easterfield, Auchnagatt, Clatt and Tarves. The schools in Lethnot and Tarfside in Angus were also shut.

Another five schools in Aberdeenshire were affected by school transport not operating and 23 schools affected by changes to transport routes.

There were major tailbacks southbound on the A90 Dundee to Aberdeen road following an accident on the Dundee to Forfar stretch of the dual carriageway at Tealing.

And Tayside Police also advised motorists planning to use the B9128 between Forfar and Carnoustie to seek alternative routes because of vehicles getting stuck in snow drifts.

A force spokesman said: “Gritters are out battling on. Stay behind them. Stick to main routes where possible and please take your time.”

A number of routes were also affected by heavy snow and drifts in the Grampian Police force area.

The roads closed in the area include the B976 Crathie to Gairnshiel, the A941 Dufftown to Rhynie, the A939 Ballater to Corgarff; the A93 Glenshee to Braemar, the A939 between Cockbridge and Tomintoul, the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn and the A948 Ellon to Auchnagatt road.

The A947 Oldmeldrum to Fyvie road was also reported to be only passable with care due to drifting snow.

A spokesman for Tayside Police said: “In Angus, motorists are advised to avoid the Wellbank and Craichie areas, following high winds and drifting snow which have made roads impassable. Road closures are in place on the B9128 Forfar to Arbroath Road, B978 Kellas to Kirbuddo Road and all unclassified roads within the area. They will be closed for some time, as high winds and drifting snow continue to affect these roads.

“Perthshire road closures include, A93 Spittal of Glenshee, and the unclassified Knapp to Abernyte road, Woodside to Abernyte road and Abernethy to Strathmiglo road.”