Weather update: fuel shortages at many petrol stations

Published on Thursday 9 December 2010 11:28

Up to one-third of Scotland's independent petrol stations are closed after running out of fuel today as a result of supply problems, according to RMI petrol.

Strathclyde Police said around 40 per cent of the area's stations were suffering fuel shortages this morning.

The army has joined the effort to clear Edinburgh's streets today, with the Royal Regiment of Scotland out helping council staff.

Roads

Police are continuing to urge motorists to travel with extreme caution.

In the north, routes are still affected by hard packed snow and icy patches and a partial thaw may cause further problems later with surface water and dropping temperatures

In Grampian, the A939, B976, B974 and A941 were closed this morning.

The A697 at Cornhill was also shut during the rush-hour as a result of a jacknifed HGV.

Airports

Scotland's airports are open, but still facing some disruption.

Passengers are being urged to check details with their airline before leaving home.

Schools

Schools in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and Shetland are all closed today.

Secondary schools in Glasgow will reopen tomorrow, the council has said.

There are disruptions elsewhere in the country, with some schools remaining shut, whilst others open later to allow pupils extra time to travel. Further information is being made available by many local authorities on their websites.

• School closures by region

Railways

Scotrail are advising the London Euston to Edinburgh service - Lowlander northbound - tonight has been cancelled.

The Fort William to London Euston service - Highlander southbound - has also been cancelled.

Weather outlook

The weather across the country is forecast to warm up throughout the day and some of the ice is expected to thaw, as warmer winds blow in off the Atlantic.

USEFUL LINKS

• Roads: Traffic Scotland

• Trains: ScotRail

• Airports: Edinburgh | Glasgow | Aberdeen | Dundee | Inverness

• Forecast: Met Office

Gallery: Your photos of the snow in Scotland

• Send your pictures to [e-mail]

• In pictures: your latest snaps from the snow (Part 5)

For all the latest on the Big Freeze click here