Highland Council winter road condition and school closure report for Thursday, 23 November 2017

23rd November 2017

Road condition reports by The Highland Council's Community Services for the morning of Thursday, 23 November 2017 are as follows:

Caithness and North Sutherland: Most of the higher routes in north Sutherland affected with up to 100mm wet snow, some of the lower routes inland up to 50mm wet snow, all routes in Caithness affected by minor flooding. Some of the main routes have major flooding with signage in place. Snow conditions - all routes treated this morning according to policy and will be ongoing today, all routes passable with care. (08:01)

South Sutherland Morning Report: Most roads affected by snow and ice. Treatment in progress and all roads passable with care (09:19)

Ross and Cromarty: Widespread snow this morning with the heaviest on high ground. Roads are turning black. All routes treated as per priority, and available resources in accordance with policy. No major issues reported. (11:23)

Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross: All North Skye roads affected by frost with 4 - 5cm of snow this morning. Treatment on-going on primary routes resulting in delayed treatment to secondary/ bus routes. South Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross roads mostly frost free with a light dusting of snow on high level routes. Treatment ongoing.



Lochaber: A Mixture of frost hail and sleet across the area this morning Primary and secondary routes treated with 20gm salt Still a little slush on the A884 Liddesdale Hill the rest of the primary and secondary roads clear at the present time. (08:53)

Badenoch and Strathspey: Frost and ice on roads across whole area with 2 to 5cm snow lower levels, 10 to 15cm on higher routes. Roads being treated in accordance with policy. (08:02)

Nairn: Dusting of snow above 200mtrs at 5:30am with more snow starting to fall at all levels as from 7:00am - roads being treated with salt. (08:07)

Inverness: Low roads wet, icy patches on some high roads, dusting of snow on some high roads frozen in places ,all routes being gritted (06:41)

Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting.

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.

Highland has the longest road network of any council in Scotland and it is not possible to treat every road at the same time. A priority system is applied to treat the areas in greatest need first.

Trunk roads are gritted by BEAR Scotland (North West) for Transport Scotland.

School Closures: This morning Badcaul Primary school’s nursery only was closed due to bad weather affecting 3 pupils.

Visit the school closures website for up-to-date information at www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures - the page is updated from 7am and cleared each evening. Get alerts of closures on Highland Council’s Twitter and Facebook. Or phone 0800 564 2272 to get the latest pre-recorded message from head teachers regarding their school. Have the school's PIN ready when you call.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

3/11/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness Committee approves six Community Regeneration Fund applications - £237,155

The Caithness Area Committee which met (Monday 2 November 2026) has approved six applications submitted to the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF).   This approval securing significant investment to support local projects that will benefit communities across the north.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.