The big freeze continues — but warmer conditions are forecast

Courier Country escapes the worst as snow and ice hit

Snow, rain and freezing conditions continued to sweep across the UK after the coldest night in nearly two years.

Temperatures plummeted overnight on Saturday into yesterday, with a low of -13.5C (7.7F) recorded in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie.

Courier Country was spared the worst of the conditions, although there was some significant snowfall in rural parts and on higher ground.

There is the potential for some respite after the prolonged cold snap, however, with temperatures expected to rise over the next few days.

Yesterday, the Met Office issued a yellow “be aware” warning of snow and ice covering much of Scotland, north Wales and England down to southern parts.

With icy patches on many roads, Traffic Scotland urged drivers to check their routes before setting off and to ensure they were carrying emergency supplies in case they got stuck.

Glasgow Airport was temporarily closed yesterday so the runway could be cleared following heavy snow.

Five people were injured in a two-car crash as drifting snow caused hazardous conditions in the Highlands.

The A82 near to Glencoe Mountain Resort was closed while police dealt with the incident yesterday afternoon.

The snow gates at Glencoe were closed as winds caused drifting snow and white-out conditions.

Police said that five people were hurt in the crash, however their injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

Inspector Jen Valentine said: “Weather conditions in the area are extremely poor.

“We have closed the A82 whilst we deal with the collision and get those injured off to hospital.”

Meanwhile, a man had a lucky escape in Fife after a crash near Glenrothes.

His Lexus ended up on its side on the B921 between Kinglassie and Glenrothes, near to Glenrothes Golf Course, at around 5.10pm, although he was checked over by paramedics at the scene and did not need hospital treatment.

Despite the cold temperatures in the far north, the mercury rose to 11C in the (52F) in the far south west of England.

Pictures: Kim Cessford/ PA. Above: Mist rises from the River Tay in the winter sunshine near Kindallachan on the A9; Above right: Cross country runners set off through heavy snow around Peebles in the Borders; Right: A remote bothy shelter above Kingussie in the Highlands.