Weather / All schools closed as more snow falls
Majority of bus services remain suspended
WITH more snow overnight and more forecast today (Tuesday), all schools and ELC settings in Shetland will be closed to pupils.
Fair Isle and Foula primary schools were initially placed under review, but Shetland Islands Council confirmed later in the morning that they would be shut.
Council-run youth clubs, the youth and employability service, the additional support base, and Eric Gray @ Seafield will all also be closed today.
UHI Shetland campuses at Lerwick and Scalloway will be open as a warm study place but classes will move online, according to a social media post by the college.
Due to staffing constraints arising from the weather, Lerwick Health Centre is only taking medically urgent requests. The reception may have to close this afternoon, so anyone with a prescription to pick up should collect it before 2pm.
With road conditions are hazardous in many areas, bus operators have suspended services – with most now due to be reviewed again between midday and 2pm (see table below).
Anyone planning to travel this morning is advised to check the public bus voicebank on 01595 745744.
The police advised people to consider whether their journey is necessary before setting off, and drive to the conditions of the roads.
Chief inspector Stuart Clemenson said: “The advice will be to only travel if it is absolutely necessary, if people do need to travel then please take care, plan your journey, drive to the road conditions and ensure the vehicle has sufficient fuel and family members or friends know where you are going and when you will return.”
The area commander said that “on a positive note” police have had no reported road collisions since the the onset of the wintry conditions on Sunday.
Temperatures across Shetland will continue below freezing for the next couple of days, with further snow showers expected.
The Met Office has a current yellow warning of snow and ice for Shetland in place until Thursday.
All flights at Tingwall Airport are on hold at the moment, and there is disruption to the internal ferries.
The Bluemull Sound and Yell Sound services are now running with a single vessel, while Whalsay could face disruption later in the day.
Essy kert collections outside Lerwick will be cancelled today. Staff will attempt collections in Lerwick as planned although there may be some delays due to road conditions and access to some properties may not be possible.
Some properties in the Westside have experienced power cuts since last night, with current estimates suggesting supply could return by 10am.
Most schools in Shetland were also closed yesterday (Monday) due to the snow.
A detailed weather forecast can also be found here.
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