Schools forced to close in winter weather

Roads in Aberdeenshire have been badly affected [Pic: John Stewart]

Heavy snow and freezing temperatures have closed more than 200 schools in the north east and made conditions hazardous for drivers and pedestrians.

All 173 schools in Aberdeenshire were forced to shut and 37 in Aberdeen were closed or partially closed.

Schools are due back on Wednesday in Orkney and Shetland and on Thursday in Moray, but that is being reviewed.

The decision to close all of Aberdeenshire's schools was taken to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

Council gritters have been battling to keep roads open.

The A96 between Keith and Huntly was particularly badly affected, with lorries stuck in the snow. The route reopened about 1730 GMT on Tuesday but remained only passable with care.

Ch Insp Ian Wallace, head of roads policing within Grampian Police, urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel, particularly those in the west of Aberdeenshire and east of Moray.

Aberdeen Airport was open and operational, but some flights were subject to delays and cancellation.

Aberdeenshire Council also announced that all swimming polls, leisure centres, libraries and community centres had been closed.

Are you in any affected areas? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.

Send your pictures and videos to [email protected] or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.

The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version