❄️ Hundreds of Schools Shut Across Northern Scotland as Severe Winter Weather Persists

More than 440 schools across northern Scotland remain closed as persistent snow and ice continue to disrupt daily life, with some communities entering a fourth consecutive day of shutdowns. The worst‑affected areas include Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney, and the Highlands, where heavy snowfall, drifting ice, and sub‑zero temperatures have made travel hazardous and forced local authorities to suspend in‑person schooling.

🌨️ Widespread Closures and Ongoing Disruption

• Aberdeenshire has declared a major incident, with almost all schools and nurseries closed and rural communities facing the risk of temporary isolation due to deep snowdrifts and blocked roads.
• Moray, Orkney, and the Highlands have also shut dozens of schools as conditions remain unsafe for travel, with some areas reporting snow depths of up to 30–34 cm and repeated overnight refreezing.
• Many pupils have now missed several days of classes, with closures stretching into a third or fourth day, depending on the region.

🚧 Transport and Infrastructure Impact

• Key routes, including sections of the A9, A93, and A939, remain closed due to drifting snow and ice, while rail services in northern Scotland continue to face delays and partial suspensions.
• Airports, including Aberdeen, have experienced flight cancellations and temporary shutdowns as crews work to clear runways and manage severe weather conditions.

⚠️ Weather Warnings and Safety Measures

• The Met Office has issued multiple yellow and amber warnings for snow and ice, forecasting further wintry showers and continued hazardous conditions across northern Scotland.
• Authorities are urging residents to avoid non‑essential travel, take precautions on icy surfaces, and prepare for potential delays in public services.

🧭 Community Response

Local councils and emergency services continue to coordinate snow‑clearing operations, welfare checks, and essential support for isolated households. Despite the disruption, officials note that remote learning provisions may be activated where possible until schools can safely reopen.