Dozens of schools shut amid snow and ice weather warnings

More than 60 schools in northern Scotland are closed as snow and ice warnings remain in force across much of the country.

Forecasters also predict that further rain, sleet and snow showers could lead to some disruption to travel on Wednesday, with longer journey times possible.

A separate warning of snow and ice in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland will come into force at midday and run until midnight on Thursday.

The latest warnings come after days of wintry weather which saw temperatures drop to minus 5C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands early on Wednesday, according to Met Office data.

Forecasters said up to 15cm of snow could accumulate on high ground in the area covered by the warning which comes into force at midday on Wednesday.

The Met Office said: “Sleet and snow showers will continue for the rest of Wednesday and Thursday, before dying out by the end of Thursday evening.

“North-west Scotland and the Northern and Western Isles will see the most frequent showers on Wednesday, before extending to the north east on Thursday.

“Further accumulations of 3-7cm are expected to low levels, with 10-15cm possible above 150 metres.

“Where any modest daytime thaw has occurred, icy stretches are likely on untreated surfaces.”