'Extreme caution' warning on Ross-shire roads after hard frost as attempts made to reopen notorious mountain pass

HARD overnight frost across a road network in Ross-shire has created challenges for motorists and workers battling to reopen a notorious route.

The Bealach na Bà road near Applecross remained closed this morning with attempts to re-open it "ongoing".

Highland Council's road report for Wester Ross, Lochalsh and Strathpeffer states: "Hard overnight frost across the network. Road-side temperatures and air temperatures hitting minus 8. Very icy conditions on all routes.

"Extreme caution is advised when travelling on roads this morning. Called out this morning to the Achiltibuie road to aid in recovery following a road traffic collision. Treatment of roads is ongoing. The coast road is passable with care."

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Ross & Cromarty: Priority 1 and 2 roads are good with no serious issues. Hard-packed ice still causing some problems on other, less trafficked side roads and streets. All routes being treated. Lots of footpaths throughout the area are still very icy. Treatment to footpaths is ongoing "but the ice is stubborn and hard to shift". Caution is advised.

Lochaber: Cold with icy stretches on all routes this morning. Treatments being carried out in priority order. No issues reported overnight.

Caithness: Areas of black ice around on most routes with sparkle areas. All routes being treated as well as foot paths. No over night issues reported.

Badenoch and Strathspey: Icy patches throughout the area. All routes to be treated with priority given to Primary and Secondary routes. No known overnight issues. The B9007 Duthil to Ferness road is currently closed and expected to reopen at 3pm.

Nairn: Frost and icy patches throughout the area. All routes to be treated today with priority given to Primary and Secondary Routes. No known overnight issues.

Inverness: Main roads black but icy. Still a covering of hard-packed/frozen snow on side roads. All gritters heading out to treat their routes.

Sutherland: A good sparkle on the west coast. Black/sheet ice on the inland and east coast routes with residue of frozen slush in places. Hand salting the hills. Secondary routes treated as resources permit. No known overnight issues.

Skye and Raasay: Cold night with current road surface temperatures well below zero. Widespread icy patches throughout. Treatment ongoing on Primary & Secondary routes and will continue onto other routes as available resources allow.

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