Stirling is bracing for heavy snow after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning as Storm Bert moves in over the weekend.
Met Office forecasters say that the heavy snow could bring delays on the region’s roads and public transport network, as well as triggering power cuts and other services – like mobile phone coverage.
They also say that there is a chance some rural communities could become cut-off and isolated. Meanwhile underfoot conditions are set to be treacherous.
The warning is in place for Stirling, Perth & Kinross, Angus, Argyll and Bute, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands between 7am and 5pm on Saturday.
A Met Office forecaster said: “Heavy snow will spread northeastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas. Accumulations of 10-20cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400m.
“Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk.
“Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies.
“A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely on Saturday night as milder air moves in.”
Yellow weather warning also remain in place on Friday and on Sunday.
Motorists are being advised to only drive where necessary and to consider other forms of transport.