THE BIG CLEAR-UP

FM puts plans in place to help melt away travel fears

- BY LUCINDA CAMERON

THE focus is now on recovery efforts after days of heavy snow brought disruption to northern Scotland, the First Minister has said.

All rail routes around the country are open apart from the section between Brora and Wick/Thurso on the Far North Line, while, on the roads, priority one routes in Aberdeenshire are operating again.

But some schools were to remain closed for a fifth day today. Hundreds of schools had remained closed for a fourth day on Thursday - more than 150 in Aberdeenshire and dozens in the Highlands.

It comes after 440 were shut on Wednesday across a number of councils, amounting to 18 per cent of the entire school estate.