Recovery efforts are now the priority across northern Scotland following days of severe winter weather that have caused widespread disruption, First Minister John Swinney has confirmed. The intense snowfall, particularly affecting the North East, Highlands, and islands, has led to the closure of hundreds of schools for a fourth consecutive day and significant travel challenges.
Transport Links Reopen as Clean-Up Continues
All major railway routes across the country are now operational, with the exception of the section between Brora and Wick/Thurso on the Far North Line, where Network Rail Scotland teams are working to reopen it. On the roads, the crucial priority one routes in Aberdeenshire have been cleared, though snow gates remain shut at Cock Bridge to Tomintoul and at Bridge of Dye.
Mr Swinney stated that the sheer volume of snow presented the main challenge. He confirmed that formidable resources had been deployed to clear trunk roads and the rail network. "We are, however, thankfully, in a position where we are able to focus more on recovery than dealing with the immediate incident," the First Minister said on Thursday, 8 January 2026.
Persistent School Closures and Community Impact
The disruption to education has been extensive. Hundreds of schools stayed shut for a fourth day, including more than 150 in Aberdeenshire, dozens across the Highlands and Aberdeen, and several in Moray and Orkney. This follows 440 school closures on Wednesday alone, representing 18% of Scotland's total school estate, with many providing remote learning.
Local communities have borne the brunt of the conditions. Aberdeenshire Council declared a major incident on Tuesday, warning that some rural areas risked being cut off. The village of Insch in Aberdeenshire was isolated after nearly a foot of snow fell, with residents describing it as one of the worst winter events in 25 years. Local Doug Griffin remarked, "There has been nothing like this since 2010, it is quite remarkable."
Coordinated Response and Support for the Vulnerable
The Scottish Government has been working closely with local resilience partnerships throughout the prolonged period of amber weather warnings. Justice Secretary Angela Constance emphasised that while the most severe weather has passed, significant work is underway to restore normality. "Work is now focusing to ensure that those who have experienced the most severe disruption, particularly the vulnerable, are being supported," she stated.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell of Police Scotland echoed this, highlighting the multi-agency response involving local authorities, emergency services, and transport partners. He encouraged the public to check safely on neighbours or relatives who might be affected. The yellow warning for snow and ice across Scotland was in force until midday on Thursday, as the nation turns its attention from crisis management to long-term recovery.
