Scotland hit by fresh snowfalls

Transport Scotland says it has "robust" supplies of salt, and winter vehicles on standby to clear roads

Heavy snow has covered much of Scotland as Arctic conditions returned to the country.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, with up to 12in (30cm) of snow possible in many areas.

Freezing conditions caused disruption to roads, with routes in Stirling, Perth and the Highlands affected.

A 43-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a crash on the A811 between Buchlyvie and Kepculloch Toll in rural Stirling.

Central Scotland Police said the road between the Kippen roundabout and the Ballat crossroads was now open after being closed for several hours following the accident.

In the Highlands, Northern Constabulary said all roads remained open but that many routes were affected by snow.

Salt supplies

The A9 south of Aviemore to Drummochter is particularly badly affected with strong winds and snow drifting onto the carriageway.

The A87 Invergarry road is also badly hit by snow.

Meanwhile, Transport Scotland said it had "robust" supplies of salt and winter vehicles on standby.

Low lying areas in central Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh experienced between 1-2ins (2-5cm) of snow, with up to 4ins (10cm) on higher ground.

Arctic conditions engulfed several low lying areas of Scotland on Saturday, with more forecast

On the M8 at Whitburn in West Lothian, heavy snow and ice led to four lorries becoming stuck, causing disruption.

In Fife, a lane of the snow-covered M90 was shut after a car accident. However, Fife Constabulary said it had now been cleared.

In rural Stirling, Central Scotland Police urged motorists to undertake only essential travel after the snow caused problems on the A81 and the A811.

The Met office said the snow was expected to move north to parts of the Highlands and Grampian.

It has also warned of the potential for blizzard conditions and significant drifting on mountain routes.

Between 4-6ins (10-15cm) of snow is being forecast for northern parts, with up to 6-10ins (15-25cm) potentially falling in the Highlands.

A spokeswoman for Transport Scotland said: "Transport Scotland and our trunk road operating companies are closely monitoring the weather forecasts and are operating at a heightened level of vigilance and preparedness for the next couple of days to ensure everything is done to keep our transport networks moving and Scotland open for business.

"Supplies of salt are robust, with over 260,000 tonnes, with a further 120,500 tonnes on order across Scotland."