Livestock fears as snow returns
DRIVERS across Scotland have again been advised to travel with caution, as the latest weather alerts came into force.
Police Scotland has extended its warning from 4pm yesterday until 3pm today for some areas north of Scotland’s Central Belt.
It follows a Met Office yellow weather warning in place over the same period.
Outbreaks of snow, sleet and rain are forecast across Highland, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus, Perthshire, Stirlingshire and Argyll.
Superintendent Louise Blakelock, deputy head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “We are expecting snowy conditions over the next couple of days, especially on the higher level routes. I would urge drivers to plan accordingly, check the conditions ahead and make sure they are prepared for all eventualities.
“Many people will be returning to work after the Easter break and conditions may be challenging on some routes not only due to snow but also surface water and spray as the snow melts.
“No-one should ever place themselves at risk on the roads and there are alternative arrangements you can make such as delaying travel until conditions improve or using public transport.
“I want to ask drivers not to become complacent and the key is to be fully prepared, drive safely and to the conditions.”
The National Farmers Union of Scotland says its members are praying for better weather.
A poor harvest last autumn meant reduced levels of feed which farmers put away to nourish animals over the winter.
An NFUS spokesman NFUS said: “The weather is a big concern for farmers. A lot of our members are struggling after months of bad weather. A lot of people were still struggling from the Beast from the East before bad conditions came in again.
“Farmers are running low on feed for livestock. Some were not able to harvest enough of their own, so they are now having to buy it in at huge cost.
“We were hoping for an early spring but that’s not happened. Everyone is hoping for better weather, sooner rather than later.”