Scotland prepares for more ice and snow

Residents of most of the south and west of Scotland are being warned to expect more heavy snow on Sunday and Monday.

The Met Office is forecasting over two inches of snows for the Strathclyde area and Dumfries and Galloway between mid-Sunday and early Monday morning.

Freezing conditions, along with the new snowfall, have given a welcome boost to ski centres in Scotland, with thousands of enthusiasts drawn to the slopes in recent days.

In parts of the Highlands, temperatures dropped to -12.6C overnight on Saturday. In other parts of Scotland temperatures hovered at approximately -6C.

According to Met Office forecasters, up to four inches of new snow could accumulate at higher elevations in the south and west of Scotland from Sunday to Monday.

Motorists found that the icy conditions made driving dangerous in some areas, and the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn and the B976 Crathie to Gairnsheil roads were closed because of the snow and ice. Some Highlands roads were also closed.

Regardless of driving conditions, skiers flocked to the slopes in droves to take advantage of the skiing conditions.

Glenshee Ski Centre reported that its car park, with a capacity of 1,500 cars, was full by mid-morning on Saturday. Some skiers said they were getting stuck in the snow on the way to the ski centre, forcing Grampian Police to shut the snow gates on incoming roads.

www.metoffice.gov.uk