The A835 is closed due to snow between Ullapool and Altguish

The A835 is closed due to snow between Ullapool and Altguish.

Do not attempt to travel to this area.

A major incident was declared overnight in response to 22 vehicles trapped in snowdrifts near Loch Droma. Emergency services attended and carried out welfare checks, evacuating two people. Welfare centres were set up at Ullapool and Aultguish.

Police Scotland, Highland Council, NHS Highland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Bear Scotland and local mountain rescue teams are working together to ensure people are safe.

All cars and passengers have now been cleared between 7am and 10am with no injuries reported.

Superintendent Maggie Pettigrew of Highland & Islands Division  said: “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.”

A Highland Council spokesperson said : “We have diverted our roads operatives to assist our partners in this incident. This will have 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. The A832 remains closed and road conditions have been reported in our morning roads update.”

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.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said : “As part of a multi-agency approach, we have dispatched several ambulance resources, including our special operations team, and a manager to assist drivers and passengers on the A835 Ullapool-Dingwall road. We currently remain on scene.”