The weather has disrupted rail travel with the Inverness to Wick/Thurso, Inverness to Kyle, Inverness to Aberdeen and Aberdeen to Dundee lines shut after heavy snow drifts on the tracks. Network Rail Scotland said that multiple snowploughs have been deployed across the affected lines, where specialist teams are working to remove snow and ice from key routes and restore services. Network Rail workers have been tackling heavy snow at Insch (Network Rail Scotland/PA)Gary Hopkirk, route programme director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Deep snow can pose a serious risk to the railway, and when snow depth exceeds 30cm, trains can’t run safely unless fitted with snow ploughs. A Met Office amber warning of heavy snow showers covering Shetland, Orkney and parts of the Highlands and Aberdeenshire expired at 10am on Monday. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell, of Police Scotland, said: “The forecasted heavy snow showers and ice means driving conditions are likely to be hazardous in some areas.

Source: The Herald January 05, 2026 15:33 UTC