08/01/2026
The multi-agency response that was launched in response to heavy snow and low temperatures continues to effectively support affected communities within the Highlands and Islands.
Recent Amber Weather warnings in place have now been rescinded as conditions improve, however, lower-level warnings for snow and ice remain in various regions and further snow and cold weather is anticipated over the coming days.
Despite the challenges faced, agencies have made significant efforts to keep main arterial routes clear and this has ensured that vital services continue to operate, and deliveries have been able to reach most major supermarket chains throughout the region, including ferry deliveries to island communities.
Primary and secondary routes remain the focus of gritting operations and a number of road closures remain in place, with efforts being made to clear these at the earliest opportunity. Motorists are advised that black ice may be present on road surfaces, particularly as temperatures fall and to drive appropriately at all times.
Care for People structures have successfully contacted all individuals identified as vulnerable as a result of the current conditions and are supporting them as required. However, if you believe you are currently vulnerable, or could become vulnerable in the coming days, then please visit your local authority website for details on how you can be supported.
Highland Council has guidance on winter resilience on their homepage. Members of the public are asked to use their ContactUs portal on their website if they have any welfare concerns during this period of prolonged snow and ice. This will ensure concerns are picked up and directed to the correct service/or partner.
The public are asked to check in on family, friends and neighbours, particularly those in remote areas and are thanked for their continued support of the multi-agency response.
Chief Inspector David McAlpine said: โThis has been an extremely challenging few days for our communities, and for the agencies involved in the response to the snow and low temperatures. However, I am extremely impressed and encouraged by the resilience of the public and all relevant organisations in ensuring that we keep the Highlands and Islands moving.
โWe anticipate further spells of snow and ice in the coming days, and this means that our multi-agency response will continue so we can meet whatever further challenges present themselves.
โIโm extremely grateful to everyone involved in this collaborative effort and to the public who have followed all the relevant travel and safety advice provided. This has allowed emergency services and other key partners to dedicate more resource to dealing with issues associated with the weather and safeguarding the most vulnerable during this time.โ
Cllr Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council, added: โOur local resilience partnership, and the strong relationship we have with partners, has been critical throughout this prolonged period of severe weather.
โAcross the council, our teams have been working hard to support communities and each other โ from street cleaning teams gritting footpaths to waste crews topping up grit bins โ and weโve continued to work with our partners to share information, treat roads and pavements, and support vulnerable people and communities. The commitment and resilience shown by our staff, alongside the efforts of our crofters and farmers, local volunteers, and partner agencies, has been remarkable, and itโs this community spirit thatโs keeping people safe.
"We are not out of the woods yet, with freezing conditions and widespread ice expected in the coming days, but we will continue working with all our partners to keep our roads open, get our schools up and running, and help our communities return to normal.โ
