Scottish government agency Transport Scotland said potential impacts of the amber warning included long delays and cancellations on bus and rail travel.

It said roads may be affected by deep snow, particularly over higher routes, and some rural communities might be cut off.

Interruptions to power supplies and telephone networks could also occur.

Police Scotland’s travel advice is to expect a high risk of disruption in the amber warning area.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Met Office is warning us that Storm Bert will bring a period of challenging weather this weekend, with an amber warning for snow and ice issued for parts of central Scotland on Saturday, and yellow warnings for snow, ice and wind in place for large parts of the country.

“The conditions will likely cause difficult driving conditions and disruption to the wider transport network, so it’s important that anyone that has to travel during the warning period plans their journey ahead of time.”