9am Briefing: Severe weather warnings as heavy snow on the way

SEVERE weather warnings have been issued across the east coast of Scotland today with forecasters urging drivers to be prepared for heavy snow over the weekend.

The Met Office this morning warned of 'widespread icy roads' on untreated surfaces throughout Friday while forecasting 'heavy snow' on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Temperatures across the UK plunged last night as biting winds swept in from the North Sea with Britons being warned the wintry spell could last for at least 10 days.

The coldest place in the UK was Carterhouse, south of Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders, which touched -7.8C. Gritters took to the streets of the Capital as temperatures dipped to -1.5C during the night while in in Haddington they plunged to -2C.

• POP and rock gigs for up to 12,000 people are set to be held in the grounds of an ancestral home on the outskirts of the Capital.

Up to four concerts will be staged at Hopetoun House, with stars including Elton John, Lionel Richie and Tom Jones thought to be contenders to perform.

Promoters Les Kidger and Kenny Cameron, behind shows by boyband Westlife and Rod Stewart in the Highlands, have agreed an initial five-year deal with the family which has owned the stately home in South Queensferry since 1699.

They are expected to compete with the concerts held at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade each summer.

• GORDON Brown's wife Sarah has helped launch a book appeal for vulnerable children at a city bookshop.

The Children's Book Tree Appeal, which donates books to under-privileged children was launched with Mrs Brown's help at Blackwell bookshop in South Bridge yesterday.

Children attach messages to a Christmas tree in the store asking for the book they would like and the shop's customers can then buy the present for them.

Mrs Brown said the appeal was a "fantastic idea" and bought a Shoot football annual and a Horrible Histories book to donate.