Prelim exams postponed and schools delayed opening due to icy weather

9 January 2025

No school buses operated across Uist and Benbecula today (Thursday) due to treacherous road conditions.

Frozen roads prevented school buses from operating for a second morning in a row so many pupils were unable to travel.

Sgoil Lionacleit remained closed all day. Prelim exams set for yesterday and today will be rescheduled.

Other schools opened at the later time of 10am if parents were able to drop children off and pick up.

The two schools on Barra opened at a delayed time this (Thursday) morning for pupils who were able to get to school. Sgoil Bhàgh a' Chaisteil opened at 9.30am and Sgoil Eòlaigearraidh at 10am. School buses set off an hour later than usual due to icy roads. They ran only on the main circular route around Barra, and to Vatersay avoiding the more hazardous side roads into villages. Yesterday (Wednesday), Barra schools were closed due to the snowy weather.

Meanwhile, Daliburgh Post Office opened at 10am but customers were warned the carpark is very icy.

Cothrom said they were shut for the safety of staff and learners due to the adverse weather. Neither did the infants nursery and ReStore shop open.

A wintry scene today in Lochboisdale