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An amber snow warning continues to affect several parts of northern Scotland, with blizzard conditions expected to last until midday. This warning was activated at midnight for Shetland and has been in place since Friday midday across regions including the north east, Highland, Perth and Kinross, and Angus. Some locations may experience snowfall of up to 20cm (7.9 inches) even at low elevations.
ScotRail has issued cautions regarding travel disruptions, warning that trains may face cancellations or delays. The train company’s spokesperson advised travelers to consider postponing any journeys until the weather improves, adding that tickets for Friday and Saturday can be used on Sunday or Monday without any additional charge. Highland Council has also emphasized that residents should avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, the voluntary 4×4 response group Cotag reported aiding in the transportation of 48 NHS staff members, assisting four dialysis patients, and rescuing four ambulances trapped by snow in the last 48 hours.
Severe weather conditions have already impacted transport services in the area. On Friday, trains to and from Thurso were suspended due to heavy snowfall, with no replacement bus services available because of unsafe road conditions. Several vehicles, including a snow plough, became stuck in snow and ice, and numerous snow gates in the region were closed. Road accidents have been reported, such as a bus crash on the A952 in Aberdeenshire and an incident that led to the closure of a section of the A90 at Keithock in Angus. Additionally, the A9 and A99 between Helmsdale and Wick remain closed in both directions. A yellow warning with less severity is in place until noon on Monday for areas north of Dundee.
Meteorological observations show that temperatures have plunged, with Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness recording a low of -5.7°C on Friday. Apart from train service disruptions, many road closures are in effect across northern Scotland. The harsh conditions are expected to cause flight delays and cancellations, power outages, and further travel disruptions, potentially isolating some rural communities. Higher terrains within the amber alert zones could see snowfall depths reaching up to 40cm (15.7 inches).
Networks continue to respond proactively to the ongoing weather challenges. Network Rail has deployed snow-clearing locomotives along routes such as the Highland Main Line, Aberdeen-Inverness, and Far North Lines, although treacherous conditions have complicated response efforts. ScotRail personnel are actively carrying out snow assessments on the network to provide up-to-date information to control centres, helping ensure safety and service continuity. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s service delivery director, stated: “They will make sure we’ve got the most up-to-date information in our control centres and keep everyone safe and moving.” Network Rail has indicated that worsening conditions are expected around Inverness, with persistent snow, drifting, and freezing temperatures predicted through early next week.
Mountain areas are also facing hazards related to the weather. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service has issued an amber-level “considerable hazard” warning for the Northern Cairngorms, while other mountain locations such as Torridon carry moderate risk levels. Amidst these difficulties, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop acknowledged the challenging weather and urged people to follow police advice. Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren of Police Scotland’s road policing unit advised thorough planning before traveling, stressing the importance of driving to conditions and heeding road closures. He
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