IT is a long, lonely road over a mountain pass that can trap motorists or make them think twice about their journey when lashed by winter storms.
But following the horrendous rain and flooding that engulfed much of Scotland, communities along the 138-mile stretch of the A9 from Dunblane to Inverness are preparing to offer extra help to drivers caught out by severe weather.
Around 30 village halls, community centres, schools, local hotels and cafes from Blackford and Perth to Aviemore and Carrbridge will offer a place of warmth and refreshment to any stricken motorists waiting until the weather improves.
The initiative is part of a new community resilience plan being introduced in the aftermath of Storm Frank which continues to affect drivers in many parts of Scotland.
A number of the facilities have already been used by residents who had to evacuate their homes due to flooding over this winter.
Councillor Ian Miller, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “The A9 often suffers the brunt of stormy weather in Scotland.
"Blizzards, heavy snowfall, high winds, and of course heavy rain and flooding, can all have an impact on roads, and despite the best efforts of the authorities, occasionally the A9 may have to close. This means that even sensible drivers who take all the right precautions can be caught out.
“Their safety and welfare is of the upmost importance while agencies work to clear the route as quickly as possible. So we’ve worked with local communities and a number of other partners to develop new approaches to help ensure drivers can be diverted to an appropriate location until conditions improve."
Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock, Police Scotland Road Policing Commander for the North, said: “Winter driving is a question of common sense and motorists should ask themselves if they really need to travel when conditions are poor.
"However, if drivers do find themselves stuck on this stretch of road, the local communities are well placed to help keep them warm and dry until the road is open again.”
Community councils, Perth and Kinross Council, Highland Council, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government are behind the plan.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “Our trunk road operating companies do all they can to keep the network operating in winter.
"Our gritters are out on a 24/7 basis and the routes are monitored from the National Traffic Control Centre. Despite these efforts, the elements can sometimes overcome us and this plan will help improve resilience in these extreme situations.
“Our advice to the public will continue to be to be prepared. In winter you should pay extra attention to planning your journey by making sure your vehicle is ready for a journey in poor weather and also checking the weather forecast and road conditions on the Traffic Scotland website before you set off."
He said drivers should consider carrying a snow shovel, blankets, and food and drink, first aid kit, battery jump leads, a torch and spare batteries and a map for unplanned diversions.
*Potential support centres: Braco Village Hall; Auchterarder Aytoun Hall; Aberuthven Village Hall; Perth – North Inch Community Campus; Luncarty Memorial Hall; Bankfoot Church Centre; Dunkeld/Birnam – The Duchess Anne Hall; Ballinluig Village Hall; Pitlochry - The Atholl Centre; Killiecrankie Village Hall; and Blair Atholl Village Hall; Badenoch Centre in Kingussie; Aviemore Community Centre; Dalwhinnie Village Hall; Newtonmore Village Hall; Aviemore Primary School; Glen Centre, Aviemore; Boat of Garten Community Hall; Carrbridge Village Hall; Newtonmore: Highlander Hotel; Glen Hotel; Balavil Hotel; Newtonmore Transport Café; Kingussie: Star Hotel; Duke of Gordon Hotel; Aviemore: Cairngorm Hotel; Macdonalds Highland Hotel and Aviemore Resort; Carrbridge Hotel.
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