01/01/2026
Happy New Year!
We are looking forward to welcoming folk back to Toasty! on Monday January 5th but we are also keeping an eye on the weather forecast and subsequent road and pavement conditions...
Stay warm and safe in the meantime, everyone.
:-)
‼️ Update Jan 1 - there is now an updated Amber warning for snow in place for Friday and Saturday.
Further accumulations of 10-20cm are likely at low levels with 30-40cm possible on high ground.
Windy conditions will also result in some drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions.
Gritting crews will be out from 4pm today and again tomorrow from 5.30am and pavements and secondary routes being treated from 7am‼️
In addition to the heavy snow forecast from today until early next week, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong overnight winds from around 9pm tonight till 9am tomorrow which may cause some disruption.
North-westerly gales or severe gales will develop during Hogmanay evening and then peak through the early hours of New Year's Day, before slowly beginning to ease a little later tomorrow morning.
Peak gusts of around 60mph are possible fairly widely, and potentially in excess of 70mph for some exposed headlands and high ground. This is likely to impact on the most north-eastern tip of Aberdeenshire including include both Fraserburgh and Peterhead and perhaps as far west as Banff.
While there will be snow and sleet over the coming days, the impacts are expected to be consistent with the time of year.
However temperatures will also drop significantly and while our crews will continue providing winter treatments we would take this opportunity to remind all road users and pedestrians to take extra care if you are venturing out.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
And if you can, please check on neighbours – especially those who are elderly, vulnerable or living alone
Handy phone numbers:
☎️Power outages – via SSEN on 105
☎️Non-urgent medical issues – via NHS on 111
☎️Emergency council housing repairs - 03456 08 12 03
☎️Emergency social care 03456 08 12 06
GRITTING
All primary routes are being treated from 3.30pm this afternoon and again from 5.30am tomorrow. Footpaths and secondary routes treatments will be carried out by our crews throughout tomorrow from 7am.
Details of our planned routes at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roads/winter-maintenance/gritting-routes/
BIN COLLECTIONS
Please remember - if your bin is due to be collected tomorrow (Thurs) they will now be collected on Sunday, January 4. Bins due for collection on Friday will now be collected on Monday, January 5.
On your bin collection day for the New Year period only (Sunday and Monday):
❗If your bin is not emptied by 4.45pm, please take it back in
❗If a black lid bin is presented and missed, we will collect up to two extra black bags of excess waste on its next scheduled collection day
❗If a recycling bin is presented, missed, and not tagged, we will collect extra recycling of the same type on its next scheduled collection day
Details of missed collections will appear on our website www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/binsdisruptions
Household recycling centres across New Year:
❗Wednesday, December 31: close at 3pm and last entry for all booked vehicles at 2.30pm
❗Thursday, January 1: closed all day
❗Friday, January 2: closed all day
Given the forecast weather, all visitors to our household recycling centres should check the website prior to travelling in case of a change in opening times or closures - https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/waste
Booking slots for bulky uplifts remain closed until Friday, January 9.
Get the latest updates on waste collections along with an array of other council information by downloading the MyAberdeenshire app at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/my/mobile-app/
POWER
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has moved to its Weather Warning level of preparedness in the north of Scotland in anticipation of the snow, ice and high winds which are forecast for the coming days- contingency plans have been activated and teams are in strategic locations ready to respond to any power interruptions. More at: www.ssen.co.uk/storm
Wishing you all a safe, happy Hogmanay!
