Fergus Ewing has contacted transport minister Fiona Hyslop in response to a number of questions Highlanders have raised over the emergency's handling.
The section between Fort Augustus and Invergarry is the second stretch north of Fort William to be closed by fallen trees on Wednesday.
Dramatic pictures highlighting the impact Storm Gerrit is having on the Highlands' road network have been released by Bear Scotland.
Dramatic pictures highlighting the impact Storm Gerrit is having on the Highlands' road network have been released by Bear Scotland.
Storm Gerrit has forced the cancellation of multiple ferry sailings in the Minch, CalMac has warned.
In an update at 4.15pm, Traffic Scotland said disruption was "easing" following recovery of the vehicles from the crash scene near Blair Atholl.
Traffic Scotland has advised drivers to use alternate routes following the crash near the House of Bruar.
Gales force winds up to 80mph are set to batter parts of the Highlands after the Met Office issued a yellow alert ahead of Storm Gerrit.
Bus replacement services are being organised from December 27, but these are still being sourced and passengers are advised to check their journeys.
The new Met Office warnings cover Boxing Day morning and much of December 27.
Fundraising drives to enable folk to access a famous beauty spot and news that a new railway line was soon to be operational also feature.
The Highlands' newest railway station is already one of its busiest, delighted transport chiefs have revealed.
Speed restrictions will be in force on all Highland lines until 9am on Christmas Eve amid ongoing Met Office weather warnings.
The alert for wind is one of two new warnings issued. Heavy rain is also being forecast on Saturday, with the gales on Sunday into Christmas Day.
The Met Office is forecasting up to 15cm in parts of Ross-shire overnight Friday into Saturday as people prepare to travel for Christmas.
Hundreds of homes in the Highlands were without power on Thursday morning after Storm Pia brought strong gales to the region overnight.
Services will be suspended on Thursday on the Far North and Kyle lines, as well as between Inverness and Inverurie.
The forecaster is predicting wintry showers and colder temperatures in the north as this weekend gives way to Christmas Day.
Sofas and other upholstered furniture will soon no longer be accepted at some smaller Highland recycling centres – but doorstep uplift will continue.
The brand new festival is coming to the Black Isle next year.
