M74 closed for hours after multiple crashes in icy conditions amid heavy snow

Key Points

The motorway has been closed between junctions 14 and 16 following multiple collisions
Traffic Scotland has warned drivers to avoid the area
Multiple collisions occurred as a yellow warning for snow and ice was issued for much of the country
The Met Office has warned driving conditions may be ‘dangerous’ during the alert

The M74 was closed for hours in both directions following multiple crashes due to the icy conditions amid a snow and ice weather warning.

The motorway was shut between Crawford and Johnstone Bridge after several collisions shortly before midday on Thursday.

It reopened just under four hours later. There were no reported injuries

The crashes come as a yellow weather warning for snow and ice was issued for much of the country fromm 8pm on Thursday until 12pm on Friday.

The Met Office warned that driving conditions may be “dangerous” during the alert.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The A74(M) has fully reopened following earlier collisions between junctions 14 and 16 due to icy conditions.

“No one required hospital treatment.”

Severe weather

Meanwhile, a large number of schools remain closed on Thursday across a number of council areas, despite improving forecasts following days of heavy snow.

More than 150 schools in Aberdeenshire, dozens of schools in the Highlands, and a number of schools in Moray and Orkney have been affected.

It comes after 440 schools were closed on Wednesday across a number of councils due to the severe weather, amounting to 18% of the entire school estate.

Remote learning has been provided in many cases.

Scotland

Hundreds of schools remain shut as snow and ice warning grips Scotland

Heavy snow delayed the return to school after the winter break for thousands of pupils in northern Scotland who were due to go back on Monday.

Aberdeenshire Council declared a major incident on Tuesday, warning of a “good chance” some rural communities will be cut off, as well as the possibility of power cuts.

The village of Insch in Aberdeenshire was cut off after nearly a foot of snow fell in the area, with locals describing it as “one of the worst winters in 25 years”.

The Met Office said 1-2cm of fresh snow may accumulate in some places, with 2-5cm on ground above 200-300 metres.

Ministers said on Wednesday that while wintry weather is continuing, the severe weather affecting the north of the country in particular has abated, allowing the recovery effort to begin.

Police Scotland urged people to follow travel advice.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Local resilience partnerships are continuing to meet to co-ordinate and deliver the response to disruption experienced by communities in the north and north-east of Scotland following heavy snowfall over the weekend.

“We have been working closely with resilience partners across local authorities, other emergency service partners, transport partners, NHS and health and social care partnerships, and other local organisations to support communities affected by adverse weather and keep public services open where possible.

“Some services may be impacted by adverse weather and I would encourage the public to check on neighbours or relatives, if they are able to do so safely.”

Posting on social media, First Minister John Swinney said: “I am very grateful to all public bodies and volunteers for the support that is being provided. Please stay safe.”

He had earlier paid tribute to the “truly exceptional” efforts of farmers, volunteers and members of the public in helping clear roads, dig out cars and keep people safe, which he said showed “heartening” community spirit.