Temperatures plunged to -16°C in the Highlands as Scotland experienced the coldest conditions recorded in more than a decade.

The mercury has plunged across the country, with weather warnings in place for snow and ice in many places.

The temperature dropped to minus 16°C at Altnaharra in the Highlands on Wednesday night, making it the coldest night of 2023 so far, the Met Office said.

It also marks the lowest minimum temperature recorded in the UK in the month of March since 2010, when Braemar in Aberdeenshire dropped to minus 18.6°C.

Read More: Weather warnings in place for snow and ice across Scotland

The coldest March night on record was minus 22.8°C at Logie Coldstone in Aberdeenshire on March 14, 1958.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of snow for central Scotland, Tayside, Fife, Dumfries and Galloway, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders which is valid until 2pm on Friday.

It warns heavy snow has the potential to cause disruption on Thursday and Friday, with possible travel delays on roads as vehicles become stranded, and delays or cancellations to rail and air services.

A yellow warning of snow and ice in northern Scotland was in place until 10am on Thursday.

In Aberdeenshire, some schools are closed on Thursday due to heavy snow in the area.

Police Scotland have warned people to take care when out and about.

The force tweeted: “Snow and ice are forecast for large parts of Scotland this week and yellow warnings remain in place.

“Drivers should plan ahead and ensure you have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food, water and a charged mobile in case of any delays.”