Weather update as snow returns to Highlands

A total of 33 primary schools and six secondary schools closed today (Wednesday) as the result of adverse weather.

The primary schools closed are:  Ardross, Avoch, Beauly, Bonar Bridge, Bridgend (Alness), Coulhill (Alness), Craighill (Tain), Dochgarroch, Dornoch, Edderton, Ferintosh, Foyers, Gledfield, Golspie, Hill of Fearn, Hilton of Cadboll, Inver, Kingussie, Knockbreck, Mulbuie, Obsdale (Alness), Park (Invergordon), Rogart, Rosehall, South Lodge (Invergordon), St Clements (Dingwall), St Duthus (Tain), Strathdearn, Strathgarve, Stratherrick, Tarbat Old, Teanassie and Tomnacross.

Dornoch Academy, Golspie High and Tain Royal Academy closed at 9 am and Charleston Academy (Inverness), Fortrose Academy and Invergordon Academy followed at 1 pm.

Meanwhile, the Council is reporting it has 9,000 tonnes of salt in store to cope with adverse road conditions.  Since December 20 last year it has used 68,740 tonnes.

The Council is aware of a forecast of heavy snow over the next 48 hours and has all its winter maintenance crews on stand by to tackle the conditions.

Neil Gillies, Director of Transport Environmental and Community Services, said snow had been expected but it had arrived earlier than the forecast had indicated, and that resources have been deployed to treat the affected areas.

He said: “The forecast is for continuing snow over the next  48 hours. Motorists are advised to be aware of the forecast, to drive with extra care and to heed the advice given by the police over road conditions.”