Snowploughs bid to clear railway lines as wintry weather continues

Snowploughs are being used to clear railway lines in the north of Scotland, while some roads have been deemed “impassable”.

A yellow Met Office weather warning for snow and ice has been issued which covers most of Scotland north of the central belt.

Network Rail said heavy snow in areas such as Kintore, Aberdeenshire, has seen snowploughs dispatched to clear the railway line, as well as further north on the line to Wick.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Snow showers are expected to continue through the weekend, being brought well inland by strong northerly winds. Winds should ease somewhat into Sunday, with showers by then most prevalent around coasts.

“Snow showers should finally begin to ease during Monday morning. With temperatures inland likely remaining below freezing through the weekend, thaw of lying snow is not expected.

“With respect to additional accumulations, through the weekend and into Monday morning, a further 2-5cm, locally 10-15 cm of lying snow is possible in low lying areas. Fifteen to 30cm could potentially accumulate above 200m, most likely for the north-west Highlands and Grampians.”

Some 32 gritters were sent out in Aberdeenshire on Sunday morning and parts of the road network are said to be “impassable”.

Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire is said to have been hit with particularly heavy snow, according to Network Rail.

A spokesperson for the Highland Council said: “With strong winds and more snowfall overnight, a combination of drifting snow and freezing conditions is causing challenging conditions in some areas across the Highland Council area.

“Our roads teams are operating a full weekday gritting service today to clear snow and ice on as many routes as possible, but conditions are difficult in some areas.

“In Easter Ross, Sutherland and Caithness, many local roads are impassable and only essential travel is advised as the team, supported by local contractors, focus on clearing primary routes.”