Ice and snow bring disruption on roads in northern Scotland

Motorists have faced travel disruption in snowy and icy conditions amid weather warnings in place across much of the country.

Snow gates were closed for a time at the Spittal of Glenshee northbound on the A93 and at Braemar southbound, and also on the A939 northbound at Cock Bridge and southbound at Tomintoul.

There were reports of cars stuck in snow further south in the Crianlarich area early on Wednesday.

A Met Office yellow warning of ice was in force until 10am covering much of the Highlands, north east, central and south-eastern Scotland.

It warned of icy patches on some untreated roads leading to “tricky driving conditions” and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

A Met Office yellow warning of strong winds comes into force at 4pm on Wednesday and runs until 9am on Thursday, covering the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland and part of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute.

Forecasters warn gusts will reach 50-60mph widely with 65-75mph possible in places, especially around exposed coasts.

They said delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely while some short-term loss of power and other services is possible.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning of strong and gusty winds in Dumfries and Galloway, North and South Ayrshire and part of Argyll and Bute – which will be in force between 3pm on Thursday and 6am on Friday.

Met Office spokeswoman Andrea Bishop said the weather is expected to become more unsettled but milder midweek.

She said: “Wednesday is a fine day for many, before the next low moves in bringing a broad swathe of heavy rain across western areas on Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday.

“Winds will be strong across north-western areas too, and a yellow national severe weather warning for winds has been issued across north and north-west Scotland from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning.

“Winds will initially be south or south-easterly, but turn westerly during Thursday morning.”