Following the collapse of farm buildings in recent days under accumulated snow, Aberdeenshire Council has warned residents to be aware of potential dangers.

According to the council it is not just farm buildings which can be affected – any roof with a shallow pitch or which is very well insulated could be affected by enough snow lying on it.

The risk increases for any buildings which have not been well maintained.

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A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council's planning service said: "We suggest that if building owners or occupiers are concerned with the weight of snow they should seek advice from a structural engineer.

"The recent collapses show that there is a risk of structural failure, and we hope the publicity will act to reduce the risks to both animals and humans."

He continued: "But we shouldn't forget the risk is not just to farm buildings – any building with a shallow pitched roof which has retained snow will be at risk.

"An even greater risk exists for unheated buildings and those which have super-insulated roofs, where the building’s heat will not be transferred externally to melt the snow."

(GK/BMcc)