Home » Scotland Travel News » Northern Scotland in Crisis: Heavy Snow and Ice Lead to Cancellations, Road Closures, and Urgent Weather Warnings for Travelers
Published on
January 3, 2026
Heavy snow and ice have severely impacted travel in northern Scotland, causing widespread disruption and prompting numerous travel warnings. The weather conditions have led to amber and yellow warnings across the region, with affected areas including parts of Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, and Shetland. While the amber warnings have expired, the yellow warnings remain in place, continuing to affect travel throughout the weekend and into the beginning of the week. The situation has created challenging conditions for both local residents and travelers.
ScotRail has been particularly affected by the snow and ice, with train cancellations and delays occurring throughout the weekend. Travelers have been advised to check for updates and consider postponing non-essential journeys. Many roads in the region have also been closed, making road travel treacherous and unsafe. Highland Council has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, while emergency services, including 4×4 response teams, have been working hard to rescue stranded individuals.
The heavy snowfall has caused significant accumulations, with some areas experiencing up to 20 cm of snow. This has led to accidents on the roads, including crashes on the A90 and A952 in Aberdeenshire. In addition, snow gates have been closed, and various sporting events have been called off due to the dangerous conditions. The forecast indicates that the weather will remain harsh, with temperatures expected to stay well below freezing and additional snow showers likely.
As these conditions persist, local authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and weather-aware, ensuring that everyone stays safe while navigating the severe weather across northern Scotland.
Impact on Transportation Services:
ScotRail has issued warnings about potential delays and cancellations due to the snow. Train services in the north of Scotland, including routes to and from Thurso, have been suspended, and replacement buses could not operate because of the snow-covered roads. Passengers holding tickets for Friday and Saturday were allowed to use them on Sunday or Monday without any additional charge.
Road travel has been significantly impacted as well, with several snow gates being closed to prevent accidents and traffic from becoming trapped in the snow. Local authorities, such as Highland Council, have urged the public not to travel unless absolutely necessary. The conditions in the Highlands and other affected areas have been considered too hazardous for daily commutes, and emergency response teams have been working tirelessly to provide support where needed.
Snow ploughs and 4×4 vehicles have been dispatched to clear roads and assist with the transportation of people in need, including NHS staff and patients due for dialysis. Despite these efforts, some vehicles, including snow ploughs, have found themselves stuck in the snow, further complicating rescue operations.
Snowfall and Accumulation:
As of the latest reports, snow accumulations have been recorded in several locations across the affected regions. Aboyne in Aberdeenshire saw a snowfall of up to 20 cm (7.9 inches), while Loch Glascarnoch in the Highlands recorded 19 cm (7.4 inches). Other areas, such as Dyce in Aberdeen and Aviemore, received 17 cm (6.7 inches) and 15 cm (6 inches) of snow, respectively. These snow depths have caused significant disruptions to both road and rail transport, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where the snow has accumulated to dangerous levels.
The severe weather has also impacted the sporting calendar in the region. Several Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) matches were called off due to the snow and frozen pitch conditions. Matches, including Cove Rangers v Montrose and Elgin City v East Kilbride, have been rescheduled or postponed. Local authorities have advised that further cancellations may occur as the weather conditions continue to evolve.
Emergency Measures and Response:
As the snow and ice continue to cause havoc, emergency response teams, including 4×4 vehicles and snow ploughs, have been deployed to assist residents and travelers. Cotag, a voluntary 4×4 response team, reported that over 48 NHS staff members were moved, and four ambulances were rescued from snowbound conditions in the past 48 hours. In addition, DSBM transport and recovery in Fraserburgh have rescued more than 100 people who became stranded in their vehicles.
The weather conditions have also impacted local services such as public transportation and road access, making it difficult for individuals to get to their destinations. Snowploughs were used to clear the roads, but the efforts have been hindered by the heavy snow and drifting conditions. Authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, issuing updates on road closures and potential delays.
Air Travel and Power Outages:
Travel disruptions are not limited to ground transportation. The Met Office has warned that delays and cancellations to air travel are also expected, with heavy snow impacting both domestic and international flights. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines before traveling and to expect some delays or cancellations.
In addition to travel delays, power cuts have been reported in several areas across the region. High winds and heavy snow are likely to cause further disruptions to power supplies, and local authorities have urged residents to be prepared for possible outages. The conditions are expected to persist into the coming days, with temperatures struggling to rise above freezing, particularly in the affected regions.
Avalanche Warnings and Mountain Safety:
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) has issued avalanche warnings for several mountain areas across Scotland, including the Northern Cairngorms and Torridon. The amber warning in the Northern Cairngorms indicates a “considerable hazard” for mountaineers and skiers. Other regions have been marked with a moderate hazard level, urging mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution.
The adverse weather conditions have also prompted the closure of certain routes, particularly in mountainous areas. The A9 and A99 between Helmsdale and Wick have been closed, as have other key routes in the region. Emergency services have been working to clear blocked roads, but travelers are advised to check local updates and avoid unnecessary travel.
Temperatures and Weather Forecast:
The weather forecast for northern Scotland remains bleak, with temperatures dipping as low as -5.7°C at Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness. The Arctic air is expected to persist, accompanied by brisk northerly winds, which will continue to drive snow and ice across the region. The mercury is expected to stay below freezing throughout the weekend and into next week, with some areas facing overnight lows dipping into double figures.
The Met Office has predicted more snow showers for the coming days, particularly in the northern and higher-altitude areas. The forecast suggests that the worst of the snow will be concentrated across northern Scotland, while other regions in the UK will remain largely clear. However, icy conditions will continue to pose a risk for travelers, and the public is advised to take extra precautions when venturing outdoors.
Conclusion:
The ongoing snow and ice storms in northern Scotland are continuing to cause widespread travel disruption and pose a serious risk to public safety. While emergency services and transport agencies are working tirelessly to keep essential services running, residents and travelers are urged to stay informed and avoid non-essential journeys. The conditions are expected to worsen before they improve, with further snow accumulation and sub-zero temperatures predicted.
Authorities are advising people to remain weather-aware and to check for updates on weather warnings and road conditions. As the situation develops, additional warnings and closures may be issued. For those planning to travel in the affected areas, it is important to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, and take all necessary precautions to stay safe in these challenging conditions.
