Travellers warned as falling temperatures bring early touch of snow

Wintry scene: Insch in Aberdeenshire was one of several places to see a light dusting of snow.Jennifer Williams

Plunging temperatures have brought the first snow showers of the winter, but forecasters say the icy conditions will not last.

The north-east, Orkney and Shetland saw the heaviest snow, but flurries were also reported in Glasgow and the Borders.

Short snow and sleet showers are expected to continue falling early on Saturday before temperatures start to rise again.

Temperatures have fallen as low as 2C (36F) in the Highlands, where the Met Office has issued weather warnings.

Yellow warnings, which advise the public to take caution, are also in place for Grampian, Central, Tayside and Fife, South-west Scotland, Lothian and Borders and Eilean Siar until 9am on Saturday.

Our map shows where STV viewers on Facebook and Twitter reported snow flurries around the country:


See where STV viewers have reported snow showers in a larger map

STV weatherman Sean Batty said: “A more prolonged spell of sleet and snow will push through Orkney and Caithness during Friday and spread into Ross-shire, Moray and Aberdeenshire into the evening.

“This band is likely to bring a few centimetres of snow over more inland, and particularly, upland areas. Ice will also form with temperatures hovering around freezing overnight into Saturday morning.

“The weekend looks rather wet with rain for many areas. A little snow can be expected for a time over the tops of the Grampians during Saturday.”

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) has started a campaign to highlight the dangers faced by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians as the nights get darker and the temperature drops.

In the worst weather conditions Acpos only wants drivers to use the roads if their journey is "absolutely necessary" and says tyre treads and pressure should be checked regularly along with oil, water and screen-wash levels.

Cyclists are being urged to attach suitable lights to their bikes and wear reflective clothing and a cycle helmet.

Pedestrians and joggers are being advised to wear high visibility clothing and avoid using "distraction devices" such as mobile phones or listening to loud music through earphones.

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