Snow causes travel disruption across Orkney

Partner agencies across Orkney – the Police, NHS Orkney and the Council - are appealing for folk to stay home today if at all possible.

The wintry conditions have left a number of vehicles stuck or having difficulty on various routes – they include Hobbister in Orphir, the Airport Road, Moss Road in Holm, Holm Branch and the Clay Loan, but there will be others. This, in turn poses a risk to the emergency services if called out – and it makes the job of the Council’s gritter crews more challenging.

The Council’s 18 Mainland and isles machines – including gritters, ploughs and tractors – have been out since 6am treating the priority one and two roads. Some problems areas have been redone but please remember that our gritters do not spread magic fairy dust – salt takes time and traffic to get it working – and we would prefer if folk could stay off the roads if possible.

There’s been some drifting in areas resulting in more than one visit from the gritters and ploughs to move as much of the snow as possible and then treat the road.

The treatment of roads on the Mainland will be continuing throughout the day and footpath crews in Kirkwall and Stromness are clearing pavements and treating as many as they can get around. We have 375 grit bins dotted around the county to help folk themselves deal with any problem areas – you can check out where here https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Council/W/Winter-Service-Plan.htm

If you must head out, whether in a vehicle or on foot, please take extra care and give yourself extra time – we want everyone to reach their destination safely.

The Council’s Roads Teams will however be monitoring conditions throughout the day and deploying resources where possible.

NHS Orkney says if you cannot make your healthcare appointment due to the weather, please get in touch with the relevant team/practice who can assist in rescheduling.

While some of us may be finding the snow a bit of a nuisance – not our four-legged friend and Comms Team mascot Rudi!