Icy conditions in Inverness area continue to cause challenges
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Icy conditions in the Inverness area have been causing problems this morning.
As temperatures remained below freezing, motorists as well as pedestrians and cyclists faced challenging journeys.
In city neighbourhoods as well as outlying areas, many paths remained ungritted.
Drakies is one such area.
Culcabock and Drakies Community Council chairwoman Etta Mackay said: "The roads are fairly reasonable but the pavements are very risky and icy and don’t appear to have been touched."
In Beauly, too, walking conditions were reported to be "very bad" this morning with pavements like a sheet of ice.
Roy Harrison, chairman of Beauly Community Council, felt communities outside Inverness were overlooked but speculated whether some community spirit might be part of the solution – he said he had come across a man clearing the path for a resident who had not been out for three days.
A Highland Council spokesman said: "All our available winter maintenance resources are being deployed to treat Highland Council roads and footpaths according to agreed council policies and gritting priority maps which can be viewed on the council’s website."
It can be found at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting.
Historic Scotland reported on social media that Urquhart Castle is closed today due to icy conditions. It will continue to give updates.
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An NHS Highland spokeswoman said as would be expected in relation to the icy conditions, Raigmore Hospital's emergency department had patients presenting with cold weather related accidents.
"We can all do our bit to reduce the pressure on our NHS by seeking the Right Care in the Right Place for our health needs," she said.
"We remain open 24/7 for emergencies, such as a suspected heart attack or stroke, and we always prioritise those patients with the greatest clinical need.
"If you think your need is urgent but not an emergency, NHS 24 is available by calling 111. In many of our remote and rural areas we have doctors and advanced practitioners working out-of-hours who may be able to come to you, saving you a journey to your nearest hospital. NHS 24 has guidance and advice on what is available in your area."
NHS 24 can also help if your GP or dental practice is closed and you cannot wait until they re-open.
