The Army has been drafted in to help remove snow and ice from the streets of Scotland’s capital after the city’s heaviest snowfall in nearly 50 years.
Up to 30cm of snow has fallen in parts of Edinburgh – leaving some of its most vulnerable residents unable to leave their homes.
After talks between Edinburgh City Council, the Ministry of Defence and the Scottish government, soldiers have moved in to clear roads and pavements.
Under the plans, the troops are helping people from the worst-hit areas of the city, as well as those who badly need access to medical services.
Special locations – such as doctors’ surgeries, care homes and hospitals – will be prioritised.
Confirming the plan, Cllr Robert Aldridge said Edinburgh was the “first authority in Scotland to seek help from the military”.
The weather across Scotland is forecast to warm up through today, letting some of the ice thaw.
However, with the ice thick in many places travel conditions are still expected to be hazardous – and more disruption is likely.
Yesterday, a section of the M8 – which connects Edinburgh and Glasgow – reopened for the first time in almost two days.
Meanwhile, the rest of Britain should enjoy a brief spell of milder weather, with temperatures close to double figures in Northern Ireland.
But winter’s icy grip is set to take hold again next week – and bookmakers have slashed the odds on a white Christmas.
