Key message continues to be stay home and stay safe

The A835 remains closed due to snow between Ullapool and Altguish. Do not attempt to travel to this area.

Following a  major incident, declared overnight in response to 22 vehicles trapped in snowdrifts near Loch Droma, The Highland Council, together with other Emergency services, attended and to assist Police. Welfare centres were quickly set up at Ullapool and Aultguish for those affected. All cars and passengers, including those on a service bus, were cleared this morning.

Police Scotland, Highland Council, NHS Highland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Bear Scotland and local mountain rescue teams continue to work together to ensure people are safe in response to the poor conditions and the updated Met Office forecast. An Amber warning has been extended to cover this area into tomorrow.

Chief Executive of the Highland Council Donna Manson said: “The main message remains, stay home and stay safe.  Do not attempt to travel in this area and if your journey is essential, plan ahead accordingly.”

Highland Council roads operatives assisted partners in responding to this incident on the A835 trunk road. The A832 and other roads are also badly affected in the area, with the emergency incident and difficult conditions having a knock on effect on our ability to provide winter maintenance elsewhere in this area. The surrounding roads in this area remain closed or extremely difficult to access and we would urge people not to attempt to travel at this time.

Superintendent Maggie Pettigrew of Highland & Islands Division: “Due to severe weather conditions on the A835 between Braemore and Loch Droma, officers worked as part of a multi-agency response to assist a number of drivers and passengers who were stranded within their vehicles.  These vehicles have now been cleared away from the scene and all individuals safe and well. Other drivers are asked to avoid the area or consider avoiding travel if driving conditions are difficult in your area. Officers are currently still at the scene.”

NHS Highland Chief Executive Pamela Dudek said : “We are assisting in the response with support at Welfare Centres and are standing up the resilience Care for People group for the West Coast to ensure everyone in the area is kept safe and well during this adverse weather.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We mobilised support and specialist resources at 5.16am on Friday, February 5 to Aultguish Inn on the A835 Ullapool-Dingwall road as part of a multi-agency response to assist drivers and passengers stranded within their vehicles between Braemore Junction and Loch Droma due to severe weather. We presently remain at the scene.”

Multi-agency partners will reconvene this afternoon to review the situation.