A severe Arctic freeze gripped Scotland, granting thousands of children an unexpected holiday as heavy snow and ice forced widespread school closures and travel disruption. Temperatures plummeted to levels colder than the Russian capital, Moscow, creating hazardous conditions across the country.
Widespread Disruption and School Closures
The extreme weather led to significant operational challenges for local authorities. More than 100 schools were closed in Aberdeenshire alone, with dozens more shutting their doors partially or fully in the Highlands and Moray. This widespread closure was a direct response to the dangerous conditions, prioritising the safety of pupils and staff.
Transport networks were severely tested. A spate of minor incidents was reported across the north, with snow ploughs and gritters working tirelessly to keep major routes open. The situation became particularly acute on the A980 between Banchory and Torphins, which was blocked after a Stagecoach double-decker bus became stuck in the deep snow.
Record-Breaking Cold and Met Office Warnings
The mercury dropped to startling lows, with Dundreggan in Inverness-shire recording an overnight low of -6.4°C on Thursday. This was notably colder than Moscow, where temperatures only dipped to -3°C. Daytime temperatures offered little reprieve, struggling to get above freezing; Loch Glascarnoch near Garve, Ross-shire, peaked at just 1.1°C.
Forecasters issued stark warnings, predicting that thermometers could plunge to as low as -11°C in some rural areas overnight. The Met Office's yellow warning for snow and ice, which ended at 9pm, was accompanied by an extended ice alert for Northern parts until 11am on Friday. The alert highlighted the risk of 'icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths,' leading to potential travel delays and a heightened risk of 'injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces'.
Community Response and a Milder Forecast
Despite the challenges, the wintry weather was a source of joy for many children. They made the most of their impromptu snow day, building snowmen and sledging after a heavy overnight dump. Areas like Loch Glascarnoch and Altnaharra in Sutherland saw significant accumulation, with over three and a half inches of snow.
Fortunately, the bitter conditions are expected to be short-lived. A Met Office spokesman indicated that temperatures across much of the country are set to turn milder over the weekend. After a widespread frost, the risk of snow will diminish, with many areas enjoying dry, fine weather and long spells of winter sunshine, bringing a respite from the deep freeze.
