Scotland Weather: Further school closures in Highland, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as recovery efforts underway

A Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place until midday on Thursday covering all regions of the country apart from Shetland.

However, ministers said on Wednesday that while wintry weather is continuing, the most severe weather affecting the north of the country has abated with recovery efforts are well underway.

On Wednesday, Aberdeen City Council said that due to improving conditions and “significant thaw” most schools in the area are expected to open at “some point” on Thursday. Its website shows most schools are set to open with delayed opening times.

The majority of pupils in Moray are also heading back to school on Thursday morning with some opening later than normal to allow for safe travel.

Meanwhile, over 150 schools in Aberdeenshire remain shut for a fourth day due to the ongoing weather conditions. Dozens of schools in the Highland Council area also remain closed, while others are set to open later on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday Orkney Islands Council said all schools and nurseries would be fully open on Thursday although in an update this morning it said it was “working hard to establish the position with schools” due to lying snow, with all Stagecoach school transport cancelled.

Shetland Islands Council also confirmed on Thursday morning that three schools are to remain shut today.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said on Wednesday: “While the most severe weather has now abated, there is now significant work taking place to ensure that those hardest hit can return to as close to normality as possible.

“The fact that major transport links are open is significantly helping to ensure that people have access to the services and supplies they need.

“Work is now focusing to ensure that those who have experienced the most severe disruption, particularly the vulnerable, are being supported, with access routes and services reopened as soon as possible.

“There are well-established, tried and tested processes at a national and local level for mutual support between local authorities, health boards, health and social care partnerships and other public sector agencies and the voluntary and community sectors.”

In an update on Thursday morning, ScotRail and Network Rail confirmed teams are still working to open a section of the Far North Line between Brora and Wick and Thurso, but that the line should reopen fully later today.

Network Rail said all other routes were open and “running well” after a significant operation to clear snow from the tracks in the last couple of days.

On the roads, Highland Council said there are overnight road closures due to snow on the A836 Lairg to Tongue road and the A897 Kinbrace to Halladale road, while Traffic Scotland said snow gates are shut on the A939 Cock Bridge to Tomintoul and the B974 Bridge of Dye.

Police Scotland urged people to follow travel advice.

Posting on social media, First Minister John Swinney said: “I am very grateful to all public bodies and volunteers for the support that is being provided. Please stay safe.”

He had earlier paid tribute to the “truly exceptional” efforts of farmers, volunteers and members of the public in helping clear roads, dig out cars and keep people safe, which he said showed “heartening” community spirit.