Scotland hit by snow and slush

A snowy scene in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park

Huge areas of Scotland are facing treacherous slushy conditions after rain followed heavy snowfalls.

Between 10 and 15cm of snow fell across the country on Friday causing severe disruption to several major routes.

The worst affected area was Inverness, in northern Scotland, where high winds compounded the problems, with drivers stuck and tailbacks reported on many roads.

Police have appealed to motorists to take great care and be patient and were asking the public to make essential journeys only.

Driving conditions were treacherous on many roads

More than 20 schools closed early in Fife due to severe weather conditions.

Elsewhere, gritters were out in force in Glasgow and Edinburgh before the morning rush hour.

BBC Scotland's weather presenter Heather Reid said: "This is the first snow event this year to affect the whole of Scotland.

"Some treacherous driving conditions were seen this morning with southern and central parts of the country being badly hit.

Rain forecast

"That heavy snow caused widespread disruption and it's now moving northwards into the Highlands, north east and northern isles.

"At the same time it's also turning to rain in southern areas."

Further snow is predicted in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands on Friday evening but this should die out overnight.

The main outlook for the weekend is more rain across Scotland