Highland Council winter road condition report for Monday 31 January 2022

Update at 12:30: A862 Muir of Ord to Conon and A862 Ardullie Roundabout to Tulloch Avenue both still closed – contractors are being mobilised to aid council squads who are dealing with both fallen trees and also winter gritting requirements.

The Highland Council has been working closely with our multi-agency partners over the weekend to respond to the impacts of Storm Malik and Storm Corrie.  Highland Council roads teams have been working hard to clear numerous fallen trees and debris affecting local roads.  The public are urged to take extra care when travelling today and over the next few days due to many routes being affected by debris from the high winds.

The Council’s emergency out of hours response was extremely busy and the public are reminded of the council’s emergency out of hours phone numbers at www.highland.gov.uk/contactus and other emergency information and advice at our ready for winter page www.highland.gov.uk/readyforwinter.

Following the high winds forecast and experienced this weekend due to Storm Malik and Storm Corrie, The Highland Council is encouraging landowners to urgently check trees and vegetation near to public roads which may have been damaged and causing a danger or obstruction.

Colin Howell, Highland Council’s Head of Roads and Infrastructure said: “Damaged trees and vegetation can cause potential hazards to road users by obstructing the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. The Council is particularly concerned where weakened or damaged branches could subsequently fall on vehicles or pedestrians.”

Under Section 91 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 the Council may serve notice on landowners requiring them to take action to remove hazardous or obstructive vegetation. In extreme cases, where there is an imminent danger to the public the Council will take action and landowners will be liable for the cost.

If you are affected by falling trees, communities can get advice and guidance on this matter by calling the Council’s Service Centre on 01349 886601.

With overnight drops in temperature, winter gritting also continues today. Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at https://www.highland.gov.uk/gritting

The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.

Road condition reports for Monday, 31 January 2022 are as follows:

Caithness – Posted at 08:44

Wintry showers this morning, some high routes a dusting snow on them, snow showers continuing for most of the morning period, all routes being treated. No storm issues reported.

Sutherland – Posted at 08:41

All routes treated according to policy. Sleety showers and a covering of snow on high ground. Patrols responded to deal with fallen trees after last night’s high winds at the Shore Road to Embo from the A9 Mound junction, and 2 trees down and the Rogart side roads had one down all been dealt with now. All routes are open.

Lochaber – Posted at 08:18

Damp roads with temperatures higher than forecast. All routes treated. 5am report of A861 had a fallen tree which closed the road briefly. All roads clear. No other issues reported.

30-01-22 Posted at 09:44 - 3 road closures in Lochaber yesterday due to windblown trees. 1 closure still on-going this morning, road predicted to open around lunch time.

Badenoch and Strathspey – as at 08:02

Negative temperatures with snow and sleet showers throughout the area. Area was hit with high winds overnight and a number or trees came down. B9152 still closed and will be for most of the day. No other known overnight issues.

30-01-22 – Posted at 22:14. B9152 in Aviemore closed at petrol station due to a tree down. Blocking both northbound and southbound carriageways.

Nairn – Posted at 07:59

Negative temperatures throughout the area with snow showers this morning. Nairn area was hit with high winds last night and a number of trees came down on various routes. No other known.

Skye and Raasay – Posted at 07:15

A stormy night across Skye and Raasay. Only current road closure involves a fallen tree closing the the coastal Oscaig to Broachel A-class road.  Mechanical road sweeping required this morning for Somerled Square Portree Hotel / Police Station / Bus lanes. No strong wind issues this morning. Some minus road temperatures recorded overnight. Some sleet issues affecting the A863 between Dunvegan and Struan. Road treatments ongoing given oscillating / marginal road surface temperatures.

Inverness – Posted at 07:13

Wet roads this morning with road surface temperatures hovering around and below zero, some light snow on higher ground. Covering priority routes according to policy. Several squads out working on windblown trees throughout the network.

Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh – Posted at 07:06

The ward got hit with severe northerly gales throughout the night and morning. Call outs all night with trees across the roads in Strathpeffer, Muir of Ord, Gruidie power station, Stromeferry, Achnashellach, Aultbea, Loch Maree side, Gairloch, Glen Torridon, Kishorn, Braeintra, Strathconnon, Gruinard and A890 various locations. All cleared from road last night and some site being revisited this morning to tidy up in the daylight.

29-01-22 Posted at 10:42 - A very windy night with numerous callouts. Aultbea treetops across road - men in attendance Land slide at Knockan- attended at 04:00 and made safe. Trees across A890 Braeintra (3 different times - three different areas - men onsite; Trees across Braeintra road - 8 Trees on Ardeneaskin road Trees across the Duncraig road (3 different occasions) Trees at Achnashellach Limb off a Beech tree in Strathpeffer. All roads remain open.

Ross and Cromarty East – Posted at 06:26

Marginal road temperatures with a covering of snow on higher roads. All Primary and Secondary network being treated. Windblown trees and debris affecting most roads across the area.

30-01-22 – Posted at 23:00 - Road closed tree down blocking carriageway, will need further investigation in daylight.

For information on UK Met Office warnings and advice visit www.metoffice.gov.uk

School closures

As at 12:00 the following 2 secondary, 3 Primaries and 3 Nurseries are closed affecting some 1378 pupils.

  • Avoch Primary:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Avoch Primary Nursery:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Ben Wyvis Primary Nursery:  Closed (damage to school building)
  • Daviot Primary:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Ferintosh Primary:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Kingussie High School:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Kinlochleven High School:  Partially closed - open to S4-S6 (COVID-19 related)
  • Munlochy Primary:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Newmore Primary:  Closed (COVID-19 related)
  • Strathconon Primary:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Tarradale Primary:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Tarradale Primary Nursery:  Closed (no water/heating/power)
  • Tore Primary:  Closed (no water/heating/power)

Daily information on school closures is provided at www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures

Please note that this page is updated from 7am every day and cleared by 6pm each evening.

Get alerts of closures on Highland Council’s Twitter and Facebook. Or phone 0800 564 2272 to get the latest pre-recorded message from head teachers regarding their school. Have the school's PIN ready when you call.

31 Jan 2022