Roads closed as 'horrendous' weather engulfs Scotland

A number of roads have been closed, whilst transport services throughout the country are suspended.

Drivers in most areas are being urged not to venture out if possible. People who have to make essential journeys have been advised to take extra care.

Edinburgh Airport has reopened after being forced to close earlier in the day, but a number of flights are still experiencing problems. Similarly, Edinburgh city council was forced cancel its Nativity Carol Concert, scheduled for 4pm today in St Andrew Square.

A free family ceilidh set to be held in Glasgow's George Square as part of St Andrews Day celebrations also had to be scrapped due to the weather.

Police in central Scotland said there were "significant problems" on the roads as a result of the heavy snow.

Bus services were withdrawn from the Stirling terminus due to the road conditions.

The A9 is closed in both directions due to the weather, whilst in the Lothians, the A68 is closed in both directions at Carter Bar due to snow.

Motorists in the Highlands and Grampian have been advised to take precautions when travelling on the roads this morning.

The A939 between Grantown-in-Spey and Tomintoul and the B9007 between Ferness and Carrbridge are both closed. Motorists are also advised to avoid the A95 near Aviemore.

The cold weather is expected to last at least until the end of the week, potentially dropping as low as minus 15 over snow fields and glens.

• Blast from Europe will bring 'snow and more snow'

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings of heavy snow and icy roads across most of Scotland.

However, the cold snap was welcomed by skiers who headed for the hills to enjoy the start of the season.

At Cairngorm Mountain resort near Aviemore in the Highlands, around 1,500 people took to the slopes.

Michael Dukes, forecast manager with MeteoGroup, said the weather across Scotland was "horrendous" following persistent and heavy snowfall.

He said Aberdeen area recorded 10cms of snow in just one hour on Ssaturday night. Aviemore currently has 34cms of snow, while Aberdeen has 20cms and Edinburgh has around 9cms.

Mr Dukes added there was "plenty more snow to come" during the coming week and predicted that temperatures could drop to minus 20 in the Highland glens.

He said the mercury fell to minus 15 in Loch Glascarnoch and Kinbrace overnight, while it hit minus 14 in Braemar, in the Scottish Highlands, and minus 7 in Glasgow.

Describing the temperatures as "ridiculously low" for November, Mr Dukes said: "This is one of the most severe November cold spells we've ever had."

The Scottish Government said authorities were prepared and councils and road authorities had planned well ahead by gathering record levels of salt supplies.

Updates on road closures can be found at http://www.trafficscotland.org/

• What is the weather like where you live? Send your pictures of the snow to [email protected]