Delays as M8 closed by black ice

The M8 has been closed westbound in North Lanarkshire due to black ice, causing major rush hour traffic delays.

The main route from Edinburgh to Glasgow was shut at about 0700 GMT as gritters tried to clear the motorway.

Police said the road, which was closed for two days last month due to snow and ice, was "undriveable".

Officers are directing traffic off the M8 at Junction 5 Shotts and traffic is rejoining at junction 6 Newhouse. There are also delays eastbound.

Ice and snow were causing problems across the country.

The Met Office warned of heavy snow, mainly in Caithness and Sutherland.

Snow was also making driving difficult on the A82 through Glencoe.

The A9 in Perthshire was blocked at Auchterarder following an accident.

In Central Scotland, the Stirling-bound M9 was blocked by an accident near Junction 8 Hill of Kinnaird.

There were also accidents on the M9 heading to Edinburgh.

In South Lanarkshire, black ice was causing problems on the M74 near Hamilton.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary was warning of treacherous conditions due to ice across the region.