A handful of schools in Aberdeenshire were also shut while dozens more opened later.

The latest warning, which took effect at 12:00 on Wednesday, states up to 15cm of snow could accumulate on high ground in the north and north east of the country.

The Met Office said: “Sleet and snow showers will continue for the rest of Wednesday and Thursday, before dying out by the end of Thursday evening.

“North-west Scotland and the Northern and Western Isles will see the most frequent showers on Wednesday, before extending to the north east on Thursday.

“Further accumulations of 3-7cm are expected to low levels, with 10-15cm possible above 150 metres.”

In places that are still experiencing snow cover, it could be as cold as -14C to -16C on Wednesday night.

But on Thursday snow fields may see temperatures between -16C and -20C.