Weather hits schools and ferries

A covering of snow was welcomed by some in Aberdeen

Snow and ice have closed eight rural schools in Aberdeenshire and led to difficult driving conditions on some roads.

Wintry weather has swept through the north east and Highlands, with snow falls in Aberdeen, the Cairngorms, Ross and Cromarty and around Inverness.

Motorists have been forced to drive at reduced speeds on stretches of the A9 in the Highlands.

Bad weather has also disrupted ferry sailings from Caithness.

Pentland Ferries has suspended its sailings for the day.

Further snow and cold temperatures have been forecast for the weekend.