Hundreds of schools across northern Scotland will remain closed on Monday as severe weather warnings for heavy snow and ice disrupt the start of the working week following the festive break. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for Shetland, Orkney, and parts of the Highlands and Aberdeenshire until 10am, with a broader yellow warning lasting through the end of the day.
The amber warning covers the most severely affected areas and forecasts widespread snowfall of 5-10cm, with 20-30cm possible in some mainland locations. Strong winds are expected to cause snow drift and temporary blizzard conditions. The yellow warning extends south to Perth and covers Grampian, the northwest Highlands, and Aberdeenshire, with similar snowfall amounts predicted.
Schools in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles, and Aberdeenshire will close completely. Aberdeen city schools and early learning centres will open later at 11am, with breakfast clubs cancelled.
Rail disruption
Major rail routes face significant disruption throughout much of Monday. Network Rail Scotland has warned that several key routes are unlikely to operate until midday, including Aberdeen-Dundee, Aberdeen-Inverness, Inverness-Wick/Thurso, and Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh. ScotRail expects widespread disruption on routes around Aberdeen and Inverness.
Official warnings
Alan Waddell, Assistant Chief Constable at Police Scotland, urged drivers to reconsider their journeys. «The forecasted heavy snow showers and ice means driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas. Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the weather warnings,» he said.
He emphasized safety precautions for those who must travel: «If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don't drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.»
Scotland's Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop highlighted the challenging timing. «Of course for many, Monday marks a return to work from the festive break. If you have to travel then please ensure your vehicle is winter ready and have a winter kit in your car,» she said. «Follow Police Scotland travel advice. If you can delay your journey until the amber warning has expired, please do so.»
Hyslop noted the ongoing severity of conditions: «We've already seen challenging conditions and freezing temperatures, with more snow and ice on the way for the same areas.»
Police Scotland continues to work with partners to assist communities impacted by the adverse weather.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
