Fresh weather warnings have been issued for the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland as wintry conditions continue to grip northern Scotland, with snow showers and widespread ice expected to cause disruption through the weekend.
The Met Office has confirmed a Yellow warning for snow and ice covering the Highlands and Eilean Siar from midday on Friday 9 January until 3pm on Saturday 10 January, with further warnings in place for Orkney and Shetland on Sunday 11 January.
Forecasters say scattered wintry showers will continue to feed inland from the North Sea, bringing snowfall particularly to higher ground, with accumulations of 2–5cm expected above 100 metres and up to 15cm possible on hills above 300 metres.
While not all areas will see lying snow, ice is expected to be the most widespread hazard, especially overnight as temperatures dip well below freezing away from coastal areas.
Untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths may become icy, increasing the risk of slips and falls and leading to longer journey times by road, bus and rail.
For Orkney and Shetland, a separate Yellow warning is in force from 2am to 3pm on Sunday, with a band of snow expected to move across the islands during the morning before easing later in the day.
In these areas, snowfall could reach low levels, with 2–5cm widely possible and up to 20cm on higher ground, alongside strong winds leading to drifting snow and poor visibility.
There is also the potential for travel disruption, including delays to air and ferry services, isolated communities, and the risk of power cuts affecting mobile coverage and other essential services.
Residents across the Highlands and Islands are being urged to plan journeys carefully, check road and transport updates, and allow extra time where travel is unavoidable.
Drivers are advised to carry warm clothing, food, water, a torch, de-icer and a fully charged mobile phone, while those travelling on foot are encouraged to use treated main routes wherever possible.
Temperatures are expected to remain well below average through the weekend, with icy conditions persisting even where snowfall is limited.
The Met Office has stressed that weather warnings may change at short notice and has encouraged people to stay up to date with the latest local forecasts as conditions evolve.
