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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Most schools to open amid freeze | Most schools to open amid freeze |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| The vast majority of Scotland's schools are expected to be open on Monday, despite predictions of more harsh weather conditions. | The vast majority of Scotland's schools are expected to be open on Monday, despite predictions of more harsh weather conditions. |
| Wintry weather caused closures across Scotland last week, but ministers said more than 90% should get back to normal, thanks to a huge, local effort. | Wintry weather caused closures across Scotland last week, but ministers said more than 90% should get back to normal, thanks to a huge, local effort. |
| Forecasters said the bitterly cold temperatures were letting up, but warned there could be more snow. | Forecasters said the bitterly cold temperatures were letting up, but warned there could be more snow. |
| Thousands of pupils were off school last week as the big freeze took hold. | Thousands of pupils were off school last week as the big freeze took hold. |
| However, a Scottish government spokeswoman said conditions were being closely monitored, with further sleet and snow showers forecast for many areas on Sunday night and Monday. | |
| She added: "Early indications today suggest over 90% of schools will be open tomorrow - that is an increase from 87% on Friday, and is a significant step forward from Tuesday's 64%. | |
| "There will remain some closures tomorrow due to the ongoing severe weather, but it is clear that more and more schools are reopening as soon as it is safe and practicable." | "There will remain some closures tomorrow due to the ongoing severe weather, but it is clear that more and more schools are reopening as soon as it is safe and practicable." |
| Scotland is experiencing the longest unbroken cold snap for almost three decades Kenny MacAskill | Scotland is experiencing the longest unbroken cold snap for almost three decades Kenny MacAskill |
| The spokeswoman added: "A huge effort has gone into getting all these schools open - a collective effort by local authorities, janitors, support staff, head teachers, teachers and parents." | The spokeswoman added: "A huge effort has gone into getting all these schools open - a collective effort by local authorities, janitors, support staff, head teachers, teachers and parents." |
| Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill chaired a ministerial meeting in the Scottish government's Resilience Room at St Andrew's House on Sunday. | Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill chaired a ministerial meeting in the Scottish government's Resilience Room at St Andrew's House on Sunday. |
| Despite the severe conditions, he reported that 85% of timetabled trains continue to run and there has been a 75% fall in cancellations of Scotland's ferries. | Despite the severe conditions, he reported that 85% of timetabled trains continue to run and there has been a 75% fall in cancellations of Scotland's ferries. |
| There has also been no drop in passenger transport numbers on the road network. | There has also been no drop in passenger transport numbers on the road network. |
| Mr MacAskill said: "Scotland is experiencing the longest unbroken cold snap for almost three decades - clearly this has posed considerable challenges to communities across the country. | Mr MacAskill said: "Scotland is experiencing the longest unbroken cold snap for almost three decades - clearly this has posed considerable challenges to communities across the country. |
| "However, thanks to the efforts of everyone across the country, Scotland is coping well. | "However, thanks to the efforts of everyone across the country, Scotland is coping well. |
| "I want to pay tribute to all those working round the clock to ensure vital services are maintained. Not least of this, the effort that has been devoted to keeping our road network as clear of snow and ice as possible with passenger and goods transport levels remaining the same as the same time last year." | "I want to pay tribute to all those working round the clock to ensure vital services are maintained. Not least of this, the effort that has been devoted to keeping our road network as clear of snow and ice as possible with passenger and goods transport levels remaining the same as the same time last year." |
| Rubber ring | Rubber ring |
| Mr MacAskill also paid tribute to the "typically resilient character" displayed by members of the Scottish public, whom he said had largely got on with their lives "while taking sensible precautions". | Mr MacAskill also paid tribute to the "typically resilient character" displayed by members of the Scottish public, whom he said had largely got on with their lives "while taking sensible precautions". |
| He also said many people had shown themselves to be good neighbours keen to help those most in need. | He also said many people had shown themselves to be good neighbours keen to help those most in need. |
| But Scottish Labour MSP Charlie Gordon claimed some Scottish councils may have failed to act on warnings of a looming salt shortage six months ago. He said ministers should have done more to ensure that councils had adequate supplies. | |
| Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been going on the ice at the Lake of Menteith on foot, bicycles and skates over the weekend. | Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been going on the ice at the Lake of Menteith on foot, bicycles and skates over the weekend. |
| But officers from Central Scotland Police stopped a quad bike which was towing a rubber ring from going onto the frozen lake. | But officers from Central Scotland Police stopped a quad bike which was towing a rubber ring from going onto the frozen lake. |
| A police spokesman said: "Quite clearly this activity would be a safety issue given the large number of persons on the ice." | A police spokesman said: "Quite clearly this activity would be a safety issue given the large number of persons on the ice." |
| And people were urged to "act in a safe and responsible manner and on no account take any motorised vehicle on to the frozen lake". | And people were urged to "act in a safe and responsible manner and on no account take any motorised vehicle on to the frozen lake". |