Freezing temperatures and lingering ice continue to disrupt daily life across the Highlands and Islands, with residents urged to remain cautious as winter conditions persist.
Overnight frost and sub zero temperatures have left untreated roads, pavements and cycle routes icy in many areas, particularly in rural and higher ground locations.
The Met Office has warned that even where snowfall has eased, clear skies and freezing air have increased the risk of ice forming, especially in shaded spots and on minor routes.
People are being advised to plan journeys carefully, allow extra time, and use main roads where possible, as conditions can change quickly.
In Moray, winter operations remain fully active following several days of heavy snow and ice.
Moray Council confirmed that more than 2,000 tonnes of salt have been used since the start of the snow event, with over 80 staff currently deployed across road and footway operations.
Twenty six winter road vehicles and 11 footpath clearance machines remain in use, although deep snow in some areas continues to limit access for footway equipment.
Local contractors and farmers are providing additional support, particularly on remote and rural routes, while council teams continue to replenish grit bins as conditions allow.
Almost all Moray schools are closed today due to safety concerns around staff travel, with online learning in place and parents being kept informed directly by schools.
Waste collections remain suspended, with crews redeployed to support winter maintenance, and household waste and recycling centres expected to reopen later in the week if conditions improve.
Bus services across Moray, the Highlands and Islands, and parts of Argyll and Bute remain under review, with residents urged to check operator updates before travelling.
At national level, the Scottish Government continues to coordinate the response through its Resilience Room, which met again yesterday to oversee recovery efforts in the most affected areas.
The meeting was chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and attended by First Minister John Swinney, alongside emergency services, transport operators, councils and utility companies.
Ms Constance said some communities in the north and islands have been particularly hard hit, with cold conditions expected to continue and further disruption possible.
She confirmed that the trunk road network is now functioning, while work continues to restore affected rail, ferry and air services where weather has caused delays or cancellations.
Health and social care services remain under pressure, with teams prioritising essential care and emergency repairs as freezing conditions persist.
Residents across the Highlands, Islands, Moray and Argyll and Bute are being urged to continue following travel advice, check on vulnerable neighbours where it is safe to do so, and stay informed as weather warnings may change.
