Key Points
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More than 100 schools across Aberdeenshire, the Highlands and Moray have closed - A Met Office weather warning for snow and ice is in force across most of Scotland
- Transport Scotland urged people to check their vehicles to ensure they are winter-ready before travelling
Scots have been urged to plan ahead before travelling as a fresh snow and ice warning is issued across the country – with dozens of schools in the north closed.
Traffic Scotland chaired a severe weather call with Road Operating Companies, the Met Office and Police Scotland over the weekend ahead of many people returning to work after the festive break.
It comes after the Met Office issued weather warnings for snow and ice for most of Scotland, with a fresh alert covering large parts from 4pm on Monday until noon on Tuesday.
Forecasters warned that outbreaks of snow will turn heavier across central Scotland, Strathclyde, the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, the Lothians as well as Dumfries and Galloway.
Met OfficeA yellow warning for snow and ice was also issued at 9am on Sunday, remaining in place until 6am on Monday.
The warning covers central Scotland, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, Edinburgh, west Lothian and North Lanarkshire.
Dozens of schools were closed in Aberdeenshire on Monday due to poor weather conditions, postponing a return to the class for thousands of pupils.
In Aberdeenshire, 81 primaries and eight secondaries are closed – a full list is available here.
In Moray, 11 primaries and two secondaries are closed – a full list is available here.
In the Highlands, ten primaries and Portree High School are closed – a full list is available here.
School transport including coaches and taxis were also cancelled across the region.
In the Highlands, Lochinver Primary, Portree High School and Portree Primary were closed while in Moray seven schools were closed.
The snow gates on the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road were closed on Sunday evening.
The Met Office warned that affected areas could see longer journey times with disruption to roads as well as bus and train services.
It added that some icy patches will form on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, leading to a chance of injury.
A second yellow warning for snow and ice came into place across more northern parts of the country from 12pm on Sunday and will expire at 11am on Monday.
The warning covers the Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway, and parts of Strathclyde.
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland urged people to check their vehicle to ensure it is winter-ready before travelling in the “severe” weather warnings.
“Our Road Operating Companies are set to activate specific snow plans, which means extra staff, equipment and double treatments in impacted areas,” they said.
“Traffic Scotland continue to push out latest travel advice via social media, radio and variable messaging signage. They have also contacted National Highways England to discuss any potential cross border impacts.”
They added: “Please plan ahead, check before you travel, drive to the conditions, and allow extra time for your journeys.”
It comes after amber warnings for snow were issued for parts of England, Wales and Ireland.
Roads as well as air and rail travel were plunged into chaos as heavy snow created dangerous conditions.
Met Office chief forecaster Frank Saunders said: “Cold conditions in Scotland will continue, with snow showers in many coastal areas, and more persistent snow for a time in the southeast.”
Forecasters warned of potential disruption to travel in the areas covered by the warnings.
ScotRail advised people to check their journeys before travelling.
It said: “Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across the country until midday on Monday January 6.
“If you’re planning to to travel, check your entire journey using our app or website as delays & alterations to services are possible.
“Take care when out and about.”
Network Rail Scotland said it has made preparations to deal with the weather.
In a post on X, it said: “We’re expecting snow move into central Scotland this morning, light initially, but getting heavier. It’ll continue into the evening.
“We’ll see heavy snow across the lines out of Inverness tonight and overnight. A normal service is operating today.
“Locomotives with ploughs are standing by at strategic locations, ready to clear tracks if it’s needed.
“Snow showers remain likely across parts of the West Highland Line and lines out of Inverness for the first half of the week.”
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