Highland Council winter road condition report for 6 January 2026

6th January 2026

An Amber warning for snow and ice is in force for much of the Highland area today.

For the latest weather reports, please visit the Met Office website.

Winter Gritting Policy

We manage the longest road network of any council in Scotland. Because of the sheer distances involved, it is not possible for us to treat every single road simultaneously. To keep the region moving safely, we work to a strict priority system (external link) (external link). Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting

There has been further snowfall overnight across the roads network. Only travel if it is necessary. If you do need to travel, please drive to local road conditions.

The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.

East Ross-shire (as at 08:04)

Fresh covering of snow across all routes this morning, with negative air and road surface temperatures. All routes and footpaths being treated with initial focus on primary and secondary networks. No reported overnight issues and all roads in the area are open and passable with care.

Ross & Cromarty West (as at 07:43)

A mix of fresh snow and reports of rain on some routes this morning. Winter treatment of all routes and footways ongoing. A896 reopened through the night. No other overnight issues reported.

Badenoch and Strathspey (as at 6:20)

Fresh snow across the whole network. Primary and Secondary routes being treated as well as footpaths this morning. No known overnight issues.

Caithness (as at 07:39)

Road surface temperatures below zero this morning, fresh snow fall on most roads. Roads beginning to turn black but due to volume of snow, this will take time. Routes passable with care.

Nairn (6.20)

Fresh snow across the whole network. Primary and Secondary routes being treated as well as footpaths this morning. No known overnight issues.

Inverness (5.31)

Caution advised on all roads and footpaths. Snow across the network. Primary, Secondary and footpaths routes being treated as per gritting policy. No known overnight issues.

Skye & Raasay (7:17)

Negative road surface temperatures this morning with drivers reporting frost patches following overnight sleet and rain showers. Driver caution required. Winter treatment running across network and footways as per gritting policy. C1225 Quiraing road link between Brogaig to Uig and the B885 Portree to Struan Hill road remain closed due to snow.

Lochaber (as at 8:41)

Fresh snow across the whole network. Primary and Secondary routes being treated as well as footpaths this morning. No known overnight issues.

Sutherland (as at 8:41)

Fresh covering of snow across all routes this morning, all Primary & Secondary routes being treated including footpaths as per gritting policy. B9176 Struie Hill & A897 Helmsdale - Melvich roads remain closed. All other routes passable with care.

Highland schools are due to re-open on Wednesday 7 January. Check for details of school closures at www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures - please note that this page is cleared at 4pm each day (Monday to Friday).

Information on weather warnings is available on the Met Office