Wintery Weather Update January 2026

Many of Moray’s gritter drivers have been working long shifts since before Hogmanay to prepare for the snow and the impacts, with thanks to all of them for the incredible work they continue to do.

The Council’s winter maintenance plans include details on the priority routes treated, with Priority one routes being first for treatment and Priority two routes following. Currently all footpath clearing resources are deployed and priorities for these can be found here. Maps showing scheduled road gritting is also available here.

Grit bin locations across the region are viewable on the map here, with refill requests available directly at each bin – refill requests should be submitted online only. While any snow clearing that can be done safely by residents is welcomed, the Council is reminding people to avoid dumping snow cleared from driveways onto the middle of roads or footpaths.

Teachers provided remote learning resources via Teams, Google Classroom, Seesaw, or Class Dojo on Monday and that will continue for any schools unable to open on Tuesday due to factors such as supply deliveries and staff being unable to access the school. Head Teachers will make decisions on Tuesday opening and communicate directly with parents by 3pm on Monday (5 January). The Service Status Portal (SSP) will also be updated with any schools that will remain closed.

If any residents across Moray communities are able to assist schools to clear access routes in order to re-open, and it is safe to do so, please contact the school directly to offer help. The Council is utilising all its existing contractors and local farmers known to be able to assist, but further help can be offered through schools.

Moray Council’s Service Status Portal (SSP) hosts the latest information about all council services and their status of being open or not. This includes:

• Waste and recycling collections: Monday’s collections were all cancelled due to severe weather. A decision will be taken as soon as possible on Tuesday collections – check the SSP for updates.
• Recycling centres: Any update to Household Waste and Recycling Centre opening on Tuesday and beyond will be on the SSP as soon as possible.
• Public Transport: Multiple bus routes were suspended on Monday and remain under review for Tuesday. Updates for m.connect are available on the SSP – for Scotrail, Stagecoach and Ember please see their social media channels.

Police Scotland urges residents to only travel if absolutely essential. If travel is unavoidable:

• Drive to conditions, allow ample time and avoid road closures.
• Be aware of delays or cancellations in rail and air services and factors such as power outages or communities being cut off.

Traffic Scotland is also warning of poor visibility during snowfall, snow-gates closures and urges strategic use of trunk roads only after checking the Traffic Scotland website or social channels.

The Council’s Housing team is prioritising emergency repairs to keep everyone safe. Routine appointments this week may be delayed but will be communicated directly with the tenant.

All Moray Council day centres and Vaccination Centres in Moray will remain closed on Tuesday.

A huge thank you to all of the staff, volunteers and emergency services working to look after everyone.

Please note: Moray Council’s Contact Centre is experiencing high call volumes, so please bear with us if it takes a little longer to get through.

Thank you for your understanding as our staff do everything possible to catch up as quickly as possible while putting safety first.