Snowfalls bring wintry conditions

Snow and sleet fell overnight across central and western parts and the Highlands as temperatures hovered around freezing.

Motorists were warned of icy stretches on roads with some routes closed altogether. Two single-vehicle crashes on the M8 and the M74 in the early hours caused tailbacks for commuters.

Around 5cm of snow was recorded in Dalmally, Argyll and Bute, with an estimated 10-12cm thought to have fallen in higher areas.

Forecasters said the icy showers were the result of an area of rain moving northwards from Northern Ireland and turning to snow as it hit Scotland. Temperatures are expected to plummet further overnight on Thursday but the skies will remain clear.

Matt Dobson of Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Tonight [Wednesday] will be interesting - clear but bitterly cold. Temperatures will fall quite quickly.

"Today (Wednesday) western areas will see rain and sleet but the snow will ease. With around 10-12cm having fallen in higher areas, the ski resorts will have had a bit of a boost."

Traffic Scotland issued warnings on routes in Strathclyde, Grampian, the Highlands and Tayside. Northern Constabulary said the A82 was closed at Glencoe and the A9 was badly affected by slush. A high wind warning was issued for the Kessock Bridge.

Overnight a woman had to be rescued from her car after it crashed into a tree on the M8 near junction 26. She was taken to Glasgow's Southern General Hospital following the smash at 4.15am.

Forecasters said Britain has had its coldest winter for more than a decade. The last three months have been the coldest for 13 years, with an average temperature of 37F (2.9C).