Warning as heavy snow bites again

Heavy snow has again returned to Aberdeen

A fresh severe weather warning has been issued for northern Scotland, after a day which saw more than 150 schools closed due to the winter conditions.

Commuters had experienced easier travel conditions on Friday morning.

However, the Met Office issued a severe ice warning for Grampian, Highland and Orkney and Shetland on Friday evening.

Aberdeen Airport took the decision to close the runway on Friday afternoon due to heavy snow. It later re-opened but the weather was being monitored.

More than 160 schools were closed or partially closed in Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Aberdeen.

Heavy snow began falling again in Aberdeen at about 1100 GMT, and city centre roads were posing serious problems for motorists.

Children made the most of their time off in Aberdeenshire

Grampian Police said the B974 was closed and several roads were passable with care, including the A93 west of Crathie and the A96 Huntly to Inverurie road.

The A939 south of the Lecht was also closed, while heavy snow was causing traffic tailbacks in Turriff.

Roads were icy in Port Elphinstone, where a jack-knifed lorry blocked one road.

The unclassified Kingswells to Countesswells road was said to be suitable for 4x4 vehicles only.

Aberdeenshire Council advised drivers against using the A941 and B9022 due to drifting snow.

On Thursday, there were 145 schools closed in Aberdeenshire, about 60 in the Highlands, about 40 in Moray and 26 in Aberdeen. Twelve Borders schools were also closed.

There was also disruption on the railways and flights were affected in Aberdeen, Inverness and Orkney.