Aberdonian Bill Nicholson was among those battling the snow

The north of Scotland was in the grip of the bad weather which closed many schools and roads on Tuesday.

Aberdeenshire saw much of the snow, with almost 150 schools closed, all schools were shut in Shetland, and Aberdeen and Kirkwall airports closed.

Gritters were out in force trying to ease the conditions and police urged motorists to drive carefully.

The cold blast was not unexpected and snow clearing crews and gritters were mobilised at the first sign of the deteriorating conditions.

Drifting snow

However, travellers still faced difficult driving conditions across the north of Scotland.

In Aberdeenshire there were 148 schools closed or partially closed.

Road closures included the B974 Fettercairn to Strachan road, the A93 Braemar to Cairnwell road and the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul road, all due to drifting snow.

Cats also had to struggle through the Aberdeen snow

Police advised motorists to avoid the A98 Banff to Macduff road.

An articulated lorry jack-knifed, a car went off the road, and the road was completely blocked. There were no apparent injuries to the drivers involved.

Grampian Police Inspector Dennis Hall said: "There are a large number of vehicles coming off the road right across the Grampian area and I would appeal to motorists to think twice before attempting to drive.

"The chances of being involved in a road traffic collision or getting stuck in very nasty weather conditions are extremely high at present and there is no sign of the conditions letting up."

A series of minor accidents coupled with slippery conditions resulted in long tailbacks on many routes in and around Aberdeen.

Snow continues

All pupils in Shetland were given the day off, and the island's schools will remain closed on Wednesday.

Several schools in Aberdeen, the Highlands and in the Orkney Islands also fell victim to the weather, and areas of Angus and Moray endured heavy snow.

Forecasters expect the snow to continue during this week.

Snow has been seen in many parts of Scotland

A spokesperson for the Met Office said that the whole of Scotland was at risk of snow showers, but the Highlands and Grampian would be hit the worst.

He said: "The north coast and the hills and mountains will be the worst affected.

"The west will get some shelter but it won't take much to bring the snow. Snow showers can be expected almost everywhere."

Grampian Police echoed a national message by advising motorists to take extra care when out on the roads.

Have you been affected by the bad weather?

Your comments:

I couldn't believe how bad the roads were this morning. They were like a bottle. Even the main A96 road from Aberdeen to Inverness was like a sheet of ice and it didn't event seem like it had been gritted. There is a lot of road closures and minor accidents. Though it's not surprising the way some people drive in these conditions!
Nikki Smith, Moray, Scotland

The weather in Dumfries and Galloway is generally cold but the sun is shining with no sign of any snow.
Andy Little, Dumfries, Scotland

I woke up to be pleasantly surprised that my road had been cleared!! I'm flabbergasted that Aberdeen(shire) Council has finally gotten the road clearing right. Good work, lets pray they keep it up!
Lesley Clarkson, Aberdeen, Scotland

It was unbelievable this morning the amount of drivers I saw trying to get about with windscreens still full of snow. These people obviously have no concern for themselves or fellow road users!
Emma Henderson, Aberdeen

The roads within Aberdeen City were an absolute nightmare this morning. I didn't see one gritter on the way to work and although Union Street/King Street was reasonably ok to drive on, as soon as you ventured off to the "side" roads they were white and very icy.
Tracy, Aberdeen, Scotland

Typical Scottish winter. Just arrived back from Gran Canaria to find that we couldn't land at Glasgow Airport due the runway not being de-iced. Had to divert to Edinburgh Airport (which was colder and closed). Four hour delay in the airport awaiting transport to take us back through to Glasgow. When will the services in Scotland improve? How can Scotland suffer so badly when New York and Scandanavian countries survive with -10C and -15C temeratures and snow up to your waist?
John Paul Connor, East Kilbide, Scotland