Travel disruption and freezing temperatures as snow and ice warnings hit UK

Travellers have been urged to plan ahead as snow and ice warnings prompt travel disruption in parts of the UK.

ScotRail announced several train cancellations on Saturday in the north of Scotland, while a number of roads in the region have also been closed.

Shetland, parts of the far north and north east of Scotland were under an amber snow warning until noon.

Nearly all of Scotland above Edinburgh and Glasgow fall under a yellow snow and ice warning until 12pm on Monday, along with all of Northern Ireland.

Much of Wales will fall under a yellow ice warning over the weekend while both the south west and east coast of England could see heavy snow showers in the coming days.

Heavy snowfall has already covered parts of Scotland as up to 40cm is predicted in the country, as well as around 5cm in England and Wales.

Arctic air has plunged much of the UK into sub-zero temperatures, with nearly -6C being recorded at Loch Ness on Friday night.

Daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the low single figures for much of the country on Saturday, and below freezing in parts of northern Scotland.

ScotRail announced several cancellations on Saturday morning including in Wick and Inverness. Avanti West Coast said overrunning engineering work between Carlisle and Lockerbie meant all lines to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh were blocked.

Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “Arctic air and brisk northerly winds are gripping the UK as we start the new year.

“Bitterly cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into next week, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing for some, and overnight lows dipping to minus double figures in places.

“We urge people to stay #WeatherAware, keep up to date with the forecasts and plan ahead as icy roads and slippery surfaces are likely.”

Posting on X, the rail infrastructure operator said: “Strong winds between Aberdeen and Laurencekirk are causing the drifting snow that’s closed the northbound line at Laurencekirk.

“One of our snowplough locomotives is on the way to clear and reopen the line.

“We’ve seen in the last hour the heaviest snow over the Aberdeen – Laurencekirk area, and Aberdeen – Inverness lines, in particular between Inverurie and Keith.

“Those areas will continue to see snow persist, likely getting heavier too.”