Icy Roads: Motorists warned to take care in treacherous conditions. Pic: © STV
Icy conditions and severe gales continue to affect transport and schools in the north of Scotland.
Power cuts have been reported in Stornoway as wind speeds pick up through the day.
An SSE spokesman was unable to confirm how widespread the power cuts are but said efforts are being made to restore supplies.
All roads in the Highlands are affected by the wintry conditions and motorists are being advised to take care.
Routes in the Caithness area are particularly badly affected by ice, police have warned.
Severe gales are predicted for across the north of Scotland throughout the day on Thursday, accompanied by heavy rain in many parts.
The bad weather continues to disrupt transport and has closed many schools across the region.
Western Isles Council have decided to close all schools between 1pm and 2pm because of the severe weather.
The council says it is responding to reports that winds of between 60mph and 85mph, along with the possibility of snow, will likely be at its worst between 5pm and 7pm.
Skye Bridge is closed to high vehicles and the Kessock Bridge at Inverness is restricted to larger vehicles for around an hour in the morning.
Snow has closed the B9007 Carrbridge to Ferness road and the unclassified Beallach Na Ba route from Applecross to the A896, at Lochcarron.
At the same time flooding has closed the Oykel Bridge, the unclassified road from Inveroykel to A837 at Rosehall.
Severe weather has disrupted ferry services, with Caledonian MacBrayne reporting that most journeys may be affected, and some have been cancelled.
Some local flights have also been affected, with flights from Barra to both Glasgow and Benbecula cancelled in the morning.
Most schools across the Highlands remain open, though Kingussie High School closed due to a heating failure.
Kinlochbervie High and Tain Royal Academy are both open but subject to changes in school transport routes. Schools in Shetland remain open.
A 50mph speed restriction on the east coast rail service running between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Perth, Dundee and Inverness means lengthier journey times for passengers.
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Wintry conditions disrupt schools and transport in north of Scotland