Hundreds of pupils across the north-east enjoyed a surprise day-off to play in the snow yesterday as a wintry blast of weather forced dozens of schools to close.
More than 25 schools in Aberdeenshire were closed yesterday due to the icy weather with school bus routes badly hit by snow meaning dozens more were only open to local pupils and staff.
Most were expected to reopen today, however, as temperatures are set to rise, allowing a thaw.
The areas of Aboyne and Dyce had the highest recorded levels of the white stuff with 5cm and 4cm being observed and thermometers showing -1 degrees in Aboyne.
The Met Office yesterday extended its snow and ice warning until 10am today, however and reiterated a warning of icy road conditions.
The B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road remained closed last night at the Cairn o’ mount section, but in Braemar the snow gate was open.
Emma Sharples, a Met Office forecaster based in Aberdeen said that today would generally stay dry and temperatures were set to increase over the weekend.
She said: “The snow showers should ease overnight and tomorrow should be generally dry with a bright start to the day. There will still be some snow and ice around through the morning.
“Thereafter, there will be an increase in cloud and a slight recovery of temperatures to around 5 degrees with more of a wind-flow from the Atlantic.
“There could still be some snow on higher ground, but on lower levels it will be turning to rain which will continue into the weekend.
“Some places near Braemar and Ballater could get temperatures dropping as low as minus 8 or minus 10 degrees overnight.”
Pupils were temporarily evacuated from Mackie Academy yesterday due to a potential fire on the premises.
Two fire engines were called to school in Stonehaven at 12.27pm after smoke was seen coming from the generator following a power outage, but fire-fighters were unable to find any fire and had left the scene in less than 10 minutes.
Drivers across the region experienced major delays on their morning commute yesterday after waking up to frosty windscreens and were advised to exert caution, as the snow caused a spate of accidents.
Bus services were also affected, including the Stagecoach number 10 route after a bus got stuck at Inveramsay Bridge.
Another road was closed to recover a lorry that had jack-knifed off the A950 between Mintlaw and New Pitsligo had crashed into a field at around 10am yesterday; there were no injuries.
Yellow warnings were issued on Wednesday and Thursday, advising residents that the frosty conditions would last until 10am today.
