Scottish weather: Snow, ice and high winds to return

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for much of Scotland tomorrow, with high winds combined with low temperatures and snow set to make conditions particularly difficult for drivers.

Yellow “be aware” warnings were issued for the Highlands, Grampian, Central, Strathclyde and the Borders regions.

Snow is forecast across the country, particularly in higher areas, and icy conditions are expected in Strathclyde and the south of the country as temperatures fall.

High winds in the west could bring more disruption, with gale-force gusts forecast in the Western Isles and Argyll.

Up to 15 inches of snow could fall in the highest areas.

Nick Prebble, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: “After some mild weather over the last week it will be a cold day tomorrow with temperatures staying at around 2C in most areas, and perhaps lower in the Highlands.

“Snow will fall mainly in higher areas but could come down in lower places along with sleet and hailstones.

“The north east could be the worst for snow, but the central belt will experience icy conditions and it will be a blustery day.

“Gale force winds are forecast to hit the Western Isles and Argyll during the day and people should take care when travelling.”

There was widespread travel disruption at the start of the year as gusts of more than 100mph were recorded.

Major roads were closed, trains were cancelled and around 160,000 customers were left without power at the peak of the storms.

Scottish Power said the high winds caused the most damage in central Scotland in 13 years, with the overhead network experiencing more faults in a single day than it would normally receive in three months.