The extraordinary acts of kindness by ordinary Scots

Hundreds help those who are stranded, stuck or less fortunate than themselves, with the severe wintry conditions bringing out the best in Scotland’s good Samaritans

From a small army of good Samaritans who helped transport doctors, nurses and carers through Scotland’s snowbound streets to the businesses which went the extra mile and offered free food to struggling families, the torrid weather conditions to hit the country in recent days has brought out the best in people.

At a time when most people wish to hunker down in the safety and comfort of their own home, hundreds of Scots have braced the freezing temperatures to help those in need, whether it has been providing a lift to patients facing a gruelling walk to hospital appointments, or sending out a tractor to ensure that one bride has a white wedding to remember.

The selfless deeds of Scotland’s so-called “snow angels” span every part of the country, from busy city centres to remote villages left cut off by the very worst of the wintry squalls. Here are some of the extraordinary acts of kindness by ordinary people.