A9 is fully open again between Inverness and Wick/Thurso but many Highland routes "still treacherous" say roads authorities
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The A9 has fully reopened between Caithness and Inverness after gritting lorries battled through the night to clear snow drifts.
Traffic Scotland announced at 4.35 am that the A9 had reopened at yesterday's troublespots, including between Helmsdale and Latheron, and the Berriedale area.
BEAR Scotland's teams worked through to morning on main routes and were able to announce at 5 am that all major trunk roads in the Highlands had been treated, but with patrols still out clearing snow.
A spokesman said: "A9 is now open and has been gritted and well treated."
Some of the worst conditions dealt with were found on the Conon Bridge to Ullapool A835 route and the A87 Invergarry to Kyle of Lochalsh road.
A Traffic Scotland spokesman warned: "Conditions in the Highlands remain very tricky this morning.
"The good folks from (BEAR Scotland) have been out in force overnight and gritters remain out this morning keeping the trunk roads clear."
Snowfalls were continuing to make conditions difficult for drivers with the authorities keen to discourage unnecessary travel.
The Met Office still has a yellow weather warning in place for snow and ice across much of the Highlands and there were reports of snow falling at Drumochter and other locations on the A9 between Inverness and Perth.
Temperatures are forecast to rise through the day into the weekend.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "The A9, at Dunbeath and Helmsdale, has re-opened following the overnight closure of snow gates.
"Road conditions in the North Highland area remain extremely challenging and we would urge motorists to remain at home other than for essential travel."
