Call for military support for Scottish communities affected by snow
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie is urging the First Minister to ask the UK Government to send the army into the north and north east
An Aberdeenshire MP has called for the military to be mobilised to deliver essentials to communities in north and north east Scotland cut off by extreme weather.
Andrew Bowie warned the "critical" situation has left some without food and medical supplies.
In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, the Conservative MP urged him to "mobilise all available resources" to help those impacted and request military support from the UK Government.
Hundreds of schools will remain closed on Tuesday after the Met Office upgraded its snow and ice warnings to amber in the north and north-east of the country.
The rest of Scotland is under a yellow warning.
Roads blocked, schools off, trains cancelled
Up to 15cm of snow is expected in the worst-hit areas, bringing significant travel disruption. Drivers face road closures while commuters face bus and rail cancellations.
In a letter to the First Minister, which was also sent to the UK Government, Mr Bowie warned the situation is now "critical".
The Tory MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine said: "The situation has now become critical. Many people are increasingly cut off, with access to essential food supplies and medical provisions becoming extremely difficult and, in some instances, impossible.
"There is a real and growing risk that individuals may be left without basic necessities unless urgent action is taken.
"While emergency services, gritters, farmers and volunteer groups are going above and beyond to support their communities, in many cases they are quite simply overwhelmed by the scale and persistence of the conditions.
Situation has become 'critical'
"Given the seriousness of the situation, I would ask that the Scottish Government urgently considers mobilising all available resources, including the armed forces, to assist with snow clearance, the delivery of essential supplies, access to remote communities and transportation to hospitals.
"In addition, I would urge the Scottish Government to take further steps to inform and reassure the public, through leaflets and online resources, with clear guidance on how to keep you and your family safe and how to request help during emergencies."
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