'Major incident' declared with communities warned they could be cut off as heavy snow continues
School closures and widespread disruption across transport network as severe winter weather tightens grip
Aberdeenshire council has declared a major incident as the region deals with ongoing heavy snow.
A Met Office amber warning covers much of Aberdeenshire and the north east of Scotland until 7pm on Tuesday. The local authority said there is a “good chance” some rural communities will be cut off and there may be power cuts.
Schools in the area will be closed for a third day on Wednesday.
In an update on Tuesday afternoon, the council said: “Aberdeenshire will continue to experience heavy snowfall today and overnight – some of which will fall as icy rain – which has the potential to cause further disruption.
“We appreciate that this is a very challenging time for many of you and particularly those living in our most rural locations and smaller settlements – and our teams are working to support individuals who are struggling.
“If you can, please look out for each other – check on neighbours – especially those who are elderly, vulnerable or living alone.”
A yellow warning of snow and ice is in place as far south as Perth until midnight on Tuesday and a fresh warning of such conditions in northern Scotland has been issued for the whole of Wednesday.
The Met Office also issued a yellow warning of snow and ice from the central belt south down beyond the border, active until 11am on Tuesday .
A further yellow warning of ice will be in place for the central belt and southern Scotland on Wednesday morning.
In Glasgow , services on the city's subway network were suspended on Tuesday after ice on the third rail caused a power failure.
Operator SPT said that services on the outer circle line had resumed by lunchtime.
Schools in Shetland , Orkney and Aberdeenshire remained shut on Tuesday after pupils enjoyed an extra day of holiday on Monday following the festive break due to the weather, while most in Moray and the city of Aberdeen are also closed.
Schools in Aberdeenshire will also be closed on Wednesday.
Schools in the Highlands are due to reopen on Wednesday, though more snow is expected on Tuesday afternoon.
The snowy conditions disrupted road, air and rail travel across the country - with some train lines shut after heavy snow drifted on to the tracks.