Heavy snowstorms have swept across northern and central Scotland, bringing widespread travel chaos, power disruptions, and warnings of further blizzards as the region grapples with one of its harshest cold spells in recent years. The deluge of snow, which began intensifying on January 2, 2026, has forced the cancellation of train services, closed major roads, and left vehicles stranded, with authorities urging residents to reconsider all but essential travel.
According to BBC News, amber snow warnings were in place until midday on January 3 for the north east, Highland, Perth and Kinross, and Angus regions. The Met Office predicted up to 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) of snow at low levels, with blizzard conditions and as much as 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) expected on higher ground. Shetland was also placed under an amber alert for a 12-hour period, while a broader yellow warning for snow and ice covered most areas north of Dundee, lasting through January 5.
ScotRail, Scotland’s main rail operator, has borne the brunt of the disruption. On January 2, all trains to and from Thurso—the northernmost town in mainland Scotland—were cancelled due to heavy snow in the Georgemas and Thurso areas. As reported by The Press and Journal, replacement buses could not be provided because of hazardous road conditions. "We also have been unable to source replacement buses to operate because of road conditions, therefore we would advise customers to postpone travel where possible as we may not be able to guarantee journeys," ScotRail stated on social media. Passengers with tickets for Friday were told they could use them on Saturday or Sunday instead.
The situation was equally dire in Moray and Aberdeenshire, where both rail and bus services faced major delays. According to The Press and Journal, Ember buses running through Moray experienced delays of 40 minutes or more, though the A96 and A95 roads remained open thanks to relentless gritting and ploughing efforts by Amey’s fleet. Still, snow was settling in many areas, including Fochabers, and snow gates remained closed between Tomintoul and Cock Bridge.
Network Rail Scotland warned that the outlook was bleak for the weekend of January 3-5, with conditions unlikely to improve. An update issued on Friday night read, "We’re seeing heavy snow and strong winds leading to drifting snow in the north, though it’s drier in the south and central belt, with just a few lighter snow showers. It's bitterly cold everywhere, and unlikely to thaw during the day tomorrow." They added that more widespread snowfall was expected on January 5, spreading from the northwest, and that railway teams were working around the clock to keep services running despite the conditions.
Travel disruptions extended beyond trains. Highland Council received reports of campervans and cars stuck on ice in tourist hotspots, and several snow gates in northern Scotland—including those on the A93 Braemar-Glenshee, A939 Tomintoul-Cockbridge, B974 Cairn O'Mount-Fettercairn, and at Bealach na Ba—were closed on Friday morning. Traffic Scotland reported that major roads such as the A9, A1, and A82 were restricted but later cleared, while a section of the A90 around Brechin was closed in both directions following a crash.
Ferry services were also hit by high winds, adding another layer of complexity for those attempting to move around the region. Aberdeen Airport remained operational, but passengers were advised to check the status of their flights before setting out.
By the morning of January 2, as reported by BBC News, 5 centimeters (2 inches) and locally up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snow had already accumulated in low-lying areas, with double those amounts recorded above 200 meters. Lightning was cited as an additional hazard in some locations, compounding the already treacherous conditions.
ScotRail’s challenges were not limited to Thurso. On the evening of January 2, two train services between Inverness and Ardgay—the 5:12pm and 7:29pm departures—were cancelled due to forecasted heavy snow, with a replacement coach provided for the earlier service, though with extended journey times. The operator apologized for the disruption and advised passengers about delay compensation claims. The early morning train from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness, scheduled for January 3, was also cancelled, again due to heavy snow.
ScotRail warned of further possible rail disruption on the Inverness-Aberdeen line, stating, "Because of heavy snow, disruption is expected until the end of the day on January 5. Train services between Inverness and Aberdeen may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Customers are advised, you may wish to postpone travel until weather conditions improve." The operator assured that tickets dated for January 2 and 3 would be valid on services through January 5 at no extra cost.
Amid the disruptions, authorities have been vocal in urging caution. Ch Supt Scott McCarren, Police Scotland's head of road policing, told BBC Scotland News, "Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don't drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety."
The cold snap has been attributed to Arctic air sweeping across the UK, forcing temperatures well below average and heightening the risk of ice and snow showers. Met Office forecaster Neil Armstrong predicted that the cold spell "could last well into next week" and warned, "wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely." The Scottish gritter and snowplough fleet, with vehicles bearing whimsical names like Sir Andy Flurry, Robert Brrrns, and Plougher O'Scotland, has been deployed across the country’s road network in a bid to keep routes open.
The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts covering the whole of England, while parts of England, Northern Ireland, and Wales have also experienced snowfall and are under yellow weather alerts until Saturday. The Met Office’s amber alerts, in place until noon on Sunday, warn of accumulations of 10-20 centimeters of snow at low levels and up to 40 centimeters on high ground, with strong winds leading to temporary blizzard conditions.
For now, Scotland remains at the mercy of winter’s icy grip, with communities bracing for additional snowfall and continued disruption in the days ahead. As teams work tirelessly to clear roads and keep essential services running, residents are reminded to stay informed, heed official advice, and prioritize safety over travel until the worst of the weather passes.
