Heavy snow leaves roads impassable as hundreds of Scottish schools remain closed

Hundreds of schools across Scotland will remain closed for a second consecutive day as heavy snow and freezing conditions continue to batter large parts of the country.

Adverse weather has caused widespread disruption, particularly across the north and north-east, where amber and yellow snow warnings remain in force. Authorities have warned that conditions are likely to worsen overnight, with further snowfall expected before temperatures plunge below freezing.

The Met Office has confirmed that heavy and frequent snow showers are affecting Orkney, Shetland, the Highlands, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus. Snow accumulations of between 5cm and 10cm are forecast across much of mainland Scotland, with isolated areas facing as much as 20cm to 30cm.

Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed that all schools and council-run nurseries will remain closed on Tuesday due to dangerous travel conditions. Dozens of schools in Aberdeen city are also shut, while Moray Council has announced that many schools and nurseries will either open late or close entirely.

Shetland Council previously confirmed the closure of all schools, while a number of schools in Orkney have also been affected. Local authorities say decisions have been made in the interest of pupil and staff safety.

Road conditions have been described as “impassable” in some areas, with police urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. Gritting teams have been working continuously, but drifting snow and ice have severely hampered efforts to keep routes open. In Aberdeenshire alone, 32 gritters were deployed, yet many local roads remain blocked.

Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire has been singled out as one of the areas hit hardest by snowfall. Network Rail has confirmed that snowploughs have been used to clear tracks, but significant disruption continues across the rail network.

No trains are currently running on key routes, including Aberdeen to Dundee, Aberdeen to Inverness, and Inverness to Wick, Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh. Passengers are being advised to check services before travelling, as further cancellations are likely.

Air travel has also been affected. Aberdeen Airport suspended operations due to deteriorating conditions, with flights grounded until late afternoon. Loganair cancelled services from Aberdeen and Inverness airports following heavy snowfall.

Police Scotland has issued further warnings, urging drivers to reconsider travel plans. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said hazardous conditions were expected to persist, adding that road closures were implemented only when absolutely necessary.

He said motorists should plan ahead, allow extra time for essential journeys, and never attempt to drive through closed roads. Emergency services continue to work alongside local authorities to support communities impacted by the weather.

The Highland Council confirmed that strong winds combined with fresh snowfall have caused severe drifting in parts of Easter Ross, Sutherland and Caithness. Many local roads remain blocked, with essential travel only advised while teams focus on reopening primary routes.

Three additional yellow warnings for snow and ice are due to come into effect at midnight. Central and southern regions are expected to be affected until Tuesday morning, while northern areas could remain under warning until late Tuesday night.

Authorities have also warned of an increased risk of injuries caused by slips and falls on icy pavements. Members of the public are being urged to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours as temperatures drop further.

With weather warnings still active and more snowfall forecast, disruption across Scotland is expected to continue well into the week.