This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7878234.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Icy temperatures plunge to -18C Icy temperatures plunge to -18C
(about 2 hours later)
Temperatures in parts of the Highlands plunged as low as -18C overnight as much of the country had its coldest night of the winter. Temperatures in parts of the Highlands have plunged as low as -18C overnight as much of the country had its coldest night of the winter.
Aviemore recorded the coldest temperature at -18C but Aberdeen was down to -12C and Wick recorded -8C. Aviemore recorded the coldest February temperature since 1986 (-18C), Aberdeen reached -12C and Wick was -8C.
The Met Office also warned of freezing overnight temperatures leading to the risk of widespread ice on untreated roads and pavements.The Met Office also warned of freezing overnight temperatures leading to the risk of widespread ice on untreated roads and pavements.
The freezing conditions provided a boost for Scotland's ski centres. Temperatures in the central belt were about -1C despite snow falls.
There was more snow over much of southern and central Scotland overnight.
Drivers were being advised to take extra care.
No major routes were closed but in Dumfries and Galloway the M74 was down to two lanes at Beattock Summit.
Dozens of schools in the north east were closed and parents were advised to call for information or check council websites.
The freezing conditions provided a boost for Scotland's ski centres over the weekend.
Skiers flocked to the slopes to make the most of the weather.Skiers flocked to the slopes to make the most of the weather.
At Glenshee Ski Centre the car park was full by 1000 GMT, with 1,500 cars parked. A snowboarder in the car park at the Glenshee ski resortAt Glenshee Ski Centre the car park was full by 1000 GMT, with 1,500 cars parked.
However, some people were reporting that their cars were getting stuck in the snow and Grampian Police was forced to close the snow gates on the incoming roads in an attempt to persuade new arrivals to go elsewhere.However, some people were reporting that their cars were getting stuck in the snow and Grampian Police was forced to close the snow gates on the incoming roads in an attempt to persuade new arrivals to go elsewhere.
The centre's website said that conditions were "nearly perfect".
At Nevis Range ski centre near Fort William there were about 800 people already on the slopes by 1030 GMT.At Nevis Range ski centre near Fort William there were about 800 people already on the slopes by 1030 GMT.
The icy conditions made driving difficult in some areas on Sunday and in Grampian the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road and the B976 Crathie to Gairnsheil roads were closed due to ice and snow, while some roads in the Highlands were also closed.The icy conditions made driving difficult in some areas on Sunday and in Grampian the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road and the B976 Crathie to Gairnsheil roads were closed due to ice and snow, while some roads in the Highlands were also closed.