Early morning weather disruptions

MORE snow overnight combined with drifting of lying snow caused major disruptions to travel in Shetland this morning.

All main roads were blocked at places first thing prompting Shetland Islands Council to keep all schools closed for the day.

Some early morning bus services were suspended, but normal services have since been re-establish, although operators say that delay could be expected.

Police advised against all travel until snow ploughs and gritters had cleared all main roads by 9am. Some minor roads remain blocked or partially blocked.

The first flight to Edinburgh was cancelled and the 8.15am flight to Aberdeen managed to leave at 10.09am. The 7.45am flight to Kirkwall is expected to leave at around 11am. Those delays will have a knock-on effect for the whole day.

The council also closed the Eric Gray Resource Centre, Shetland College, and the Learning Centre. All SIC run youth clubs have been cancelled for Thursday night.

Temperatures across the isles are now rising and a slow thaw has set in. There is no further snow forecast for at least the next five days.