Scotland weather: snow closes schools and roads

Cold weather has caused disruption across Scotland. Picture: TSPL

Snow and ice caused disruption across north east Scotland on Thursday morning, with nineteen schools closed while others are partially closed.

There have also been reports of a number of accidents, including a car ending up on its roof near Catterline in Aberdeenshire.

A number of higher routes are closed and there were rush-hour delays on routes into Aberdeen and within the city itself.

Long delays were reported from the Toll of Birness to Aberdeen, and there were reports of difficult driving conditions on the A90 around Stonehaven.

Delays were also reported on the A947 at Fyvie, and between Newmachar and Dyce.

Forecasters at the Met Office on Thursday issued a round of fresh ice and snow alerts affecting communities across the country.

They said icy patches were likely to develop on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, or where showers cause wash off on treated roads, in the Central, Tayside and Fife regions, and Orkney and Shetland.

Wintry showers will bring an additional hazard in those areas and may lead to two to five centimetres of snow accumulating on ground above 100 metres.

Occasional heavy and wintry showers, mainly during Thursday afternoon and evening, are forecast for Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders, with two to five centimetres of snow likely to accumulate on ground above 100 metres.

Meanwhile, a centimetre or two is possible at low levels. Met Office staff said journey times may be longer by road, bus and rail. Icy stretches are also expected to form on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths or where showers cause wash off.

A similar weather warning has been issued for the Highlands and Eilean Siar, with patches likely to develop on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, or where showers cause wash off.

Wintry showers will bring an additional hazard and may lead to two to five centimetres of snow accumulating on ground above 100 metres.

Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.