Scottish mountain rescue teams called in to help trapped drivers

Hundreds of drivers were stranded in their cars up for to 11 hours last night after Scotland was hit by heavy snow.

Mountain rescue teams “were sent to help those stuck on the M74 in Dumfries and Galloway after severe weather led to closures at Millbank and Beattock”, reports the BBC.

Traffic Scotland closed parts of the motorway in Lanarkshire in both directions for a number of hours - with tailbacks reportedly stretching back for six miles.

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“Various incidents have occurred, often relating to HGVs losing traction on steep gradients. Wintry conditions remain and all available gritting resources are patrolling and treating the network as appropriate,” a spokesman for Transport Scotland said.

Many drivers tweeted about their travel misery.

The Met Office has issued amber “be prepared” warnings of snow and ice for southern Scotland and Northern Ireland. Forecasters have warned of “heavy squally showers of snow” that may cause power cuts and disruption on the roads.

“They said 15-25cm of snow was possible on high ground, and 5-10cm more typical at lower levels,” reports The Guardian.

More than 50 schools and nurseries in the Highlands have been closed as a result of the weather, with more than 3,000 children getting a “snow day”.