Police Scotland officers in the Highlands warn public not to travel unless absolutely necessary after Met Office confirms coldest February night since 1986

POLICE have urged Highland residents not to travel "unless you have to" after temperatures fell to -21C in parts of the Highlands overnight.

The Met Office revealed that it was the first time that the mercury had fallen below -20C in February anywhere in the UK since 1986 – with Braemar in Aberdeenshire the coldest at -21.9C and Kinbrace in Sutherland at -20.9C.

Numerous other weather stations across the Highland Council and Aberdeenshire Council areas also recorded temperatures of -20C or lower.

Responding to the icy temperatures, Police Scotland's northern division warned: "It is exceptionally cold across the divisional area (-20.9C in Kinbrace, Sutherland!). Please do not travel unless you have to."

They also advised those who do have to travel to make sure they keep updated on the conditions via the Met Office and Traffic Scotland.

Related news: Brrrrr! Coldest February morning since 1986

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