Winter weather

Police Scotland say there is a high risk of disruption on the roads in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders due to bad weather.

The A76 is closed between Kirkconnel and Cumnock and drivers are being advised to travel only if necessary.

HGV drivers are also being advised to drive with extreme caution and be aware that they may be requested to park at a suitable position by the police.

Heavy snow is forecast throughout the night and into tomorrow morning (Saturday January 17), with up to 15 cm falling on high ground.

Significant delays are expected and congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency or winter maintenance vehicles from providing assistance or from clearing roads.

The weather continues to cause problems, with snowfall creating tough driving conditions.

This was the scene on the A66, near Threlkeld, this morning. No one was injured.

Police have been asking drivers to take particular care when driving on snow and ice.

Borders Group of Advanced Motorists instructor Bill Allison gave some top tips for driving in the winter, which can be viewed here.

Ferry services leaving from Cairnryan have been disrupted.

The 19.30 Stena service to Belfast has been delayed. It is due to leave at 22.00. Travellers are advised to check in at the usual time.

P & O's 16.30 service to Larne was cancelled. The company expects its service to be running again by 20.00.

Fiona McIlraith reports on how the region has been affected by the weather.

Parts of the region have experience flooding, while others have been battered by high winds as the weather continues to cause problems.

Six inches of water was cleared from eight properties by firefighters in the village of Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway .

No-one needed to be rescued, although an evacuation plan was devised.

The Catstrand Theatre in New Galloway has experienced severe flooding and the River Nith burst its banks, forcing road closures in the Whitesands in Dumfries.

High winds have affected travel in Cumbria, with the A66 closing to high sided vehicles.

Watch Fiona McIlwraith's report on how the weather affected the region on Wednesday, and how drivers should proceed in icy conditions.

High winds mean the A66 is closed to high sided vehicles between the A685 junction in Brough and the A67 junction in Bowes.

Borgue Primary School has been closed due to "extremely high winds, power cut and door safety due to weather".

It is expected to re-open on the 16/01/2015 at 09:00 hours.

The River Nith has burst its banks. As a result, the A781 White Sands in Dumfries and Galloway is closed. The road is flooded between A780 Buccleuch Street and Bank Street. Police are directing traffic.