The Met Office has issued an ‘amber alert’ advising travellers to prepare for winds of up to 80mph in central and north east Scotland on Tuesday.

Weather chiefs are also predicting blizzard conditions for the Highlands as snow hits north of Stirling and Perth.

Gusts are expected to ease as Tuesday continues. However, an alert has also been logged for higher ground in Argyll, Stirling, Perth, and Kinross and Angus.

It comes after heavy snow brought disruption to parts of the A9 on Monday.

Drivers were urged to take caution after stretches of the road at Drumochter and between Keir and Greenloaning were blanketed in snow. The road was gritted and ploughed to make it passable for motorists.

Elsewhere, snow forced the postponement of the Division One clash between Ross County and Partick Thistle.

In response to the latest alert, transport minister Keith Brown is urging those returning to work to check conditions and services before they set out.

He pledged that measures were being taken to monitor the situation and anticipate any disruption.

Mr Brown said: "For some parts of the country, it's been a wintry start to the week and as people start to return to work, I would urge everyone to take the time to check before they travel and make the necessary preparations before setting off.

"With further snow and high winds forecast, I would ask the travelling public to play their part by checking their journeys in advance, making the necessary preparations and following police travel advice.

"Our transport teams monitor the situation round the clock and will continue to keep a watch on our transport networks to minimise and potential disruption and keep Scotland moving."

Roads information is available from Traffic Scotland on 0800 028 1414 or at www.trafficscotland.org.

Information on rail services can be found at Scotrail’s website, www.scotrail.co.uk.