Met Office issues third weather warning as Scotland hit with Arctic snow and ice

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Wintry conditions hit Scotland amid Met Office warning for snow and ice
Police urge drivers to not leave vehicles unattended
Council urges people to check on vulnerable neighbours as more snow and ice forecast
Five to 10cm of snow possible on high ground above 300 metres
A second Met Office warning will come into place on Tuesday
The Met Office has issued a third warning for Wednesday
Drivers have been urged to plan ahead before travelling

Temperatures across Scotland have plunged as wintry conditions sweep across the country as Met Office weather warnings remain in place.

The Met Office has issued a third warning for snow that will come into place on Monday at 4pm and last until Wednesday at 10am.

The warning covers the North of Scotland with five to 10cm of snow forecast to fall locally and up to 20cm in places above 300 metres.

It comes after forecasters issued yellow alerts for snow and ice with the first starting on Sunday afternoon and expiring at 11am on Monday, with a second coming in force from 7pm until 10am on Tuesday.

The warnings cover Aberdeenshire and the Highlands as well as Shetland and Orkney islands in the north and southern parts of Scotland.

The Met Office warned that the wintry conditions could cause disruption to travel.

Police have warned drivers to take care and clear their windscreens before setting off after the first cold snap of winter hits Scotland.

Drivers have also been urged not to leave their vehicles unattended with the engine running as this can be “a gift to car thieves”.

Police Scotland in the South Highlands warned drivers to plan ahead when travelling.

“Drivers should plan ahead and ensure you have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food, water and a charged mobile in case of any delays,” a spokesperson said.

Last year there was widespread theft of cars left running and unlocked to defrost.

A spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council said primary routes in the area were gritted, as were priority pavements on Union Street and nearby.

The council has also urged people to check on vulnerable neighbours as the frosty conditions continue.

A second warning for snow and ice has been issued for Monday evening and will be in place until 10am on Tuesday.

This covers Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders and South Lanarkshire.

Insight Philip Petrie STV weather presenter

Already we have a yellow weather warning in place for snow and ice covering parts of the country, but at the moment there is still some uncertainty as to whether we will see snow around populated areas like the central belt.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be similar, cold days for all with brisk winds and frequent snow showers, particularly on higher ground, with some frosty and potentially icy nights to come.