North East schools closed for second day due to weather

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said the closures were “never an easy decision” for headteachers to make.

They added: “They are certainly not taken lightly, involving a range of factors such as ability of staff to travel safely and availability of pupil transportation.

“Where possible, schools will provide a delayed opening to allow staff and children to travel safely and work will be provided via online platforms should schools be closed.”

On Monday, more than 80 schools throughout the north east were unable to open.

Gritting crews have been on the roads in the region since 05:30.

Transport Scotland said travellers should take extra care on the roads, allow extra time for their journeys and drive to the road conditions.

However the organisation’s Douglas Cairns told BBC Scotland News that the travel network had “coped relatively well” with the weather on Monday.

He added: “We’ve dealt with challenges faced along the way. The Highlands and Islands area has been more prone to the weather – that’s probably normal for this time of year.”