Bad weather affects roads in Ross-shire
SNOW, rain and winds are continuing to affect roads in Ross-shire today (Thursday).
Many roads in the area are affected by snow, ice, slush or surface water and police are advising motorists to reduce their speed and drive according to conditions.
Surface water as a result of the heavy rain has closed the A862 road between Bunchrew and Inchmore.
Motorists are being warned of possible delays but local diversions are in place.
The Newhall Bridge road on the Black Isle remains closed due to structural damage, as does the Struie Hill road because of fallen trees.
The Bealach na Ba road to Applecross is still shut because of drifting snow and road crews are treating the Mam Ratagan Pass to Glenelg which is affected by snow and high winds.
Further south, the snow gates are closed on the A9 from Blair Atholl to Ralia with work currently underway in a bid to get traffic moving in both directions.
Police are moving traffic where possible under convoy.
The gates shut last night at around 9pm when conditions worsened.
Network Rail has suspended trains on the Dingwall to Kyle line until 6pm today as a precaution because of the wintry weather.
One school is shut in Ross-shire, Strathconon, due to the weather. Obsdale Primary Nursery in Alness is also closed although the school itself is open.
Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock said: "Police Scotland is working with BEAR Scotland and other partners to clear and re-open the A9 as soon as possible.
"Police officers have been in attendance on the A9 overnight to ensure the safety and welfare of motorists and BEAR Scotland has been working overnight to clear the roads. The conditions have been extremely difficult and agencies are working to clear the route as safely and quickly as possible.
"It was necessary to close the road due to the extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety of motorists and also allow the workforce to safely clear the route."
Police advise all motorists to ensure they have a blanket, hot drink and full charge in their mobiles before setting off on journeys. If the forecast is for snow, a torch and shovel is also advisable.
With high winds and heavy rain predicted for the rest of the week, police are asking people to consider whether their journey is necessary and if so, to plan ahead.
