Snow coming for Scotland as roads are readied for double Arctic blast

Road crews started doubling up their gritting runs across Scotland last night in preparation for twin blasts of snow and ice.

The first freeze was due to extend into this morning when an Atlantic weather front crashes into Arctic air over the country.

Two inches of snow has been forecast for higher ground above 200m.

The second wave arrives this evening and carries the potential for even more snowfall, with two inches expected even at lower levels and double that on higher spots. 0 Humza Yoursaf said more than 160 gritters were readied

Ice is expected to form on untreated surfaces, leading to slippery conditions on roads and pavements.

Temperatures of -11C are possible in some rural areas tomorrow night where snow is already lying on the ground.

Met Office spokesman Martin Bowles said: “Some areas will get the snow, while other areas may be lucky to miss out. However, where it does fall, the amounts we are talking about are fairly significant.

“Things will remain very cold for the rest of the week but Wednesday night looks like being the coldest.”

The temperatures could plummet as low as -4C in Glasgow and -5C in Edinburgh. Transport minister Humza Yousaf said more than 160 gritters were due to be running on Scottish roads last night.