Coldest night of 2022 as Scots struggle with energy bills

Temperatures have sunk to the lowest level of the year in Scotland as many cut back on spending to stay warm.

Forecasters recorded -9.2C at Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway on Friday night.

Snow and ice weather warnings have been extended to most parts of the country this weekend.

It comes as almost half of households in Scotland have had to cut back spending due to rising energy bills, according to a charity.

Citizens Advice Scotland analysed polling data from YouGov, in which 1,002 adults were questioned.

It suggested 9% - equivalent to 198,854 people - have reduced spending on hobbies and leisure activities for their children, such as after-school clubs, parties and school trips.

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell called the findings "heartbreaking", adding: "That is a horrible situation for any parent to be in, and we would encourage anyone worried about energy bills and the cost of living to seek advice from the CAB network."

The charity National Energy Action has also warned that millions around the UK will struggle to stay warm.

A Met Office yellow weather warning in northern Scotland has been extended until noon on Sunday. An alert across central and southern areas took effect on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile a further warning for ice and snow affecting coastal areas in the north and west as well as Orkney and Shetland will take effect from 12:00 on Sunday until 12:00 on Monday.

BBC Scotland Weather reporter Kirsteen Macdonald said the cold spell was expected to last for 10 days, making it the coldest December in over a decade.

She said: "Tomorrow night is looking even colder with the mercury set to dip to -10C to -12C.

"Cold weather isn't at all unusual for the time of year, but, given that we experienced a record-breaking mild November, this continued cold spell may come as a shock to people, at a time of great worry regarding energy bills and the cost of living crisis."

Motorists have been urged to drive with care as Arctic air brings treacherous conditions.

Forecasters said up to 5cm of snow is possible at lower levels, with up to 15cm in areas above 200m - especially across the North Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.

Heavy snow has already caused traffic disruption across the north east, with reports of vehicles becoming stuck on some routes.

Traffic Scotland said snow gates were closed on the A939 at Cock Bridge and the B974 at Cairn O'Mount in Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeenshire Council urged people to plan ahead if they are travelling over the weekend. Police in Dumfries and Galloway also warned drivers to be braced for the freezing temperatures.

Network Rail said a normal train service was planned, but with cold temperatures expected into next week, a meeting would be held to assess the forecast in detail.

BBC Scotland weather presenter, Joy Dunlop, said that while there will be treacherous conditions in the warning areas, it will be a dry and sunny winter weekend for many.

She said: "Despite the sunshine, it's going to feel cold, with a very cold night ahead - especially on Sunday, when we could see lows of -10C or even lower.

"This cold feel with remain into next week, with snow showers developing more widely by the end of the week."

The charity National Energy Action has said millions of people will struggle in the cold. It said people faced a "vicious choice" between a cold home and falling into debt.

Chief executive Adam Scorer said: "Millions will have been dreading the onset of winter.

"Impossibly high prices and now cold weather will leave millions struggling to stay warm and safe at home."

Meanwhile, families are being urged to keep their pets away from frozen water due to the risk of falling through ice.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) teamed up with Park Rangers from Pentland Hills Regional Park to highlight the dangers.

Jonathan Honeyman, a fire investigation officer, said: "While ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person or a dog to fall through and potentially become trapped under the ice."

He said pets should be kept on leads and owners should avoid throwing objects onto the ice for them to retrieve.

Mr Honeyman added: "If anyone does get into difficulty on the ice, do not attempt to rescue them."