Forecasters have warned people to take extra care on Saturday as snow is expected across much of the country.

Up to 10cm is predicted in Angus, Perthshire and over hills in southern Scotland, while up to 3cm could fall elsewhere in the east.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of snow for most parts of Scotland.

It said that the Highlands, Grampian, Lothian and Borders, south-west Scotland, Central, Tayside and Fife are likely to be affected by sleet and snow.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said preparations were under way to deal with adverse weather.

He said: "Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland and our resilience team are in regular contact with the Met Office, police, road operating companies and rail operators to ensure that adequate preparations are in place for this weekend.

"Frontline and patrol vehicles are being deployed across the network and on routes that are likely to be affected by snow, gritters will continue to operate until the snow has passed and will be further supported by additional vehicles.

"We stand ready to activate the resilience room and multi-agency response team if required.

"The yellow warning is fairly common over the winter months but the public should continue to check the travel bulletins or the Traffic Scotland website for the latest advice."

Forecasters said that roads were likely to be icy on Saturday morning after a cold night.

The east of Scotland is expected to bear the brunt of the snow.

Paul Mott, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "The snow will be mostly over eastern Scotland. There will be some snowfall through mid to late morning into early afternoon.

"Locally there could be quite heavy snow around Perth and Angus and also in the Borders area over the hills.

"Western Scotland will see mostly rain but it could potentially be very icy through the morning."

He said that on Sunday no significant snowfall is expected, except over hills and mountains.

Aberdeen City Council said its winter maintenance team will be out treating the streets over the weekend.

It said that gritters will be out and the main focus will be on priority routes. Other routes will be treated when possible.

Enterprise, planning and infrastructure director Gordon McIntosh said: "During these periods of low temperatures and snowfall, it's always important that everyone in the community keeps an eye out for the frail, elderly and vulnerable members of the community and do what they can to help, even if it's just letting us know that someone needs help.

"Of course the council can help individuals, but as much as we would like to, we can't do everything for everyone. If you have particular concerns about someone's welfare in the winter, please do what you can to help them and let the council know if more help is needed."

For more information on being ready for winter, visit the STV Health Centre, brought to you by NHS inform.