Scotland set to be hit by -12C temperatures as big freeze returns

Older days - Eddie Thomson and Paul Hegarty


THE big chill which crippled Scotland's roads is due to return this week with temperatures ready to plunge to -12C.

After a mild spell, icy conditions will return for at least a week, the Met Office predicted yesterday.

And eastern Scotland will be the hardest hit with frequent snow showers.

A Met Office spokesman said: "It's a return to the colder weather and we are going to see some quite sharp frosts overnight.

"There will be some snow showers coming in to the east and far north , particularly from Tuesday and Wednesday onwards.

"The cold weather will be re-establishing, starting from Monday onwards.

"There will be widespread frost and snow showers in Tayside, Fife and Lothian and Borders.

"However, Glasgow and Strathclyde, the West Highlands to Dumfries and Galloway will stay predominantly dry, although it will be cold at nights".

The forecaster added: "By the end of the week, a temperature of -12C is not impossible in the the valleys or glens in the Highlands.

The AA yesterday called on the Government to make sure Scotland was not brought to a standstill - like in January's big freeze.

Meanwhile, the funeral of tragic snow death mum Libby Hill finally went ahead yesterday at St Andrew's Church in Carluke, Lanarkshire, after being cancelled for further medical tests two weeks ago.

The 33-year-old died after being found semi-naked in the snow at St John's Church in Carluke on January 10. Police have ruled out foul play.