Fresh weather warnings have been extended across Scotland as heavy snowfall continues to cause severe disruption, closing hundreds of schools and paralysing parts of the transport network.
First Minister John Swinney has described the impact as "significant" and stated a "huge effort" is underway to keep transport moving and public services operational.
Extended Warnings and Widespread Disruption
The Met Office has prolonged a yellow warning for snow and ice, which initially covered the country as far south as Perth until Monday evening. It will now remain in force until midnight on Tuesday. A separate yellow warning for snow and ice is active for the central belt and areas southwards until 11am on Tuesday, 6 January.
The adverse conditions have forced the closure of hundreds of schools. Pupils in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, and Aberdeenshire have an unexpected day off, with dozens more schools shut in Moray. In Aberdeen city, dozens of schools remained closed after an initial delayed opening was abandoned.
Transport Network Struggles
Rail services have been heavily affected. Key lines between Inverness and Wick/Thurso, Inverness and Kyle, Inverness and Aberdeen, and Aberdeen and Dundee are closed due to deep snow drifts on the tracks.
Network Rail Scotland has deployed multiple snowploughs, with teams working to clear key routes. Gary Hopkirk, route programme director, warned that snow depths exceeding 30cm prevent trains from running safely unless fitted with ploughs. "Snowdrifts are forming as quickly as we’re clearing them in some parts," he stated.
On the roads, drivers faced hazardous conditions. The A90 was closed between Goval and Craibstone, and snow gates were shut on the A939 between Cock Bridge and Tomintoul. The A9 south of Berridale will be closed on Tuesday morning for recovery of a Royal Mail lorry.
Air travel has also suffered. Loganair cancelled flights from Aberdeen and Inverness airports, with further cancellations at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland and Kirkwall Airport in Orkney.
Community Spirit and Ongoing Response
Following a meeting of ministers with emergency responders and utilities, Mr Swinney paid tribute to the "truly exceptional" efforts of farmers, volunteers, and the public in clearing roads and assisting those in need.
He urged the public to remain cautious, noting that further snow and ice are forecast. "I would encourage everyone to plan ahead, look out for each other and pay close attention to the range of weather and travel advice available," the First Minister said.
Police Scotland's Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell advised motorists to consider if journeys are necessary and to drive to the conditions, expecting delays. Forecasters predict an additional 2-5cm of snow widely on Tuesday, with up to 10-15cm in some northern areas.
